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i UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, t 



LETTERS 

OS THE 

CALL AND QUALIFICATIONS 

OF 

MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL 



THE APOSTOLIC CHARACTER AND SUPERIOR 
ADVANTAGES OF 

THE ITINERANT MINISTRY. 

BY THE 
Rev. WILLIAM BEAUCHAMP, 

FOR MANY YEARS AN EMINENT MINISTER IS THE METHODIST 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



WITH A PREFACE BY THE 
Rev. BISHOP SOULE, D D. 



!l 



L/ 



CHARLESTON, S. C 
PUBLISHED BY JOHN EARLY, 

FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH 
1849. 







Entered according to act of Congress, in the year of our Lord 

1849, by 

JOHN EARLY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of Virginia. 



E. B. MEARS, STEREOTYPES.. 
SMITH AND PETERS, PRINTERS. 



PREFACE. 



The Author of the following Letters, the Rev. 
William Beauchamp, was born in Kent county, 
state of Delaware, on the 26th day of April, 1772. 
From his early childhood he manifested an extraor- 
dinary desire and capacity to acquire knowledge ; 
and, in the attainment of it, he met and overcame 
many difficulties which would have discouraged 
ordinary minds. With very little aid, except from 
such books as he could obtain, he acquired a critical 
knowledge of the English grammar, was a proficient 
in the Latin and Greek languages, and an able critic 
in the Hebrew. 

He was no ordinary proficient in most of the 
general branches of science ; but especially in the 
various departments of mathematics his mind was 
clear and comprehensive, and his method of com- 
municating the knowledge of whatever could be 
measured or numbered, was peculiarly felicitous, j 
His course of mathematical studies had disciplined 

3 



IV PREFACE. 

his mind to close logical reasoning on every subject 
which he investigated; but it was in the develope- 
ment and defence of the doctrines of the Revela- 
lation of God, and especially in the lucid and pow- 
erful manner in which he exhibited the evidences 
of the truth of that Revelation, that his intellectual 
strength was most clearly manifested. Heresy and 
infidelity trembled when these were the subjects of 
his pulpit discourses. 

His piety was sentimental, deep, and uniform. 
He appeared to be under an abiding conviction 
that he was living and labouring for eternity, and 
his constant aim in his Christian experience and 
practice, and in his ministerial labours, appeared to 
be to transcribe into his own character, all the tran- 
scribable perfections of the " Captain of his Salva- 
tion," and thus to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." 
With him there was "no time for mirth or trifling 
here." No vain, or idle, or senseless conversation 
occupied his time in any circle in which he m'oved ; 
but rather such as tended to edification in experi- 
mental and practical godliness. The various rela- 
tive duties enjoined by the Gospel Revelation, were 
subjects on which he dwelt with peculiar clearness 
and successful application, both in the pulpit and in 
his pastoral and social visitations. 

What a blessing would it be to the church and to 
the world, if all those who profess to be ministers 
of Christ, and pastors of his flock, would imitate such 
an excellent example ! 

About the sixteenth year of his age, Mr. Beau- 



PREFACE. V 

champ's family removed from Delaware and settled 
in Western Virginia. He began to preach when 
about nineteen years old. In the twenty-first year 
of his age he left his paternal home, and travelled a 
circuit under the direction of the Presiding Elder. 
In 1794 he was admitted on trial in the travelling 
connexion ; and appointed to the Allegheny Circuit, 
which he travelled two years. In 1796 he was sta- 
tioned in Pittsburgh. In 1797 in the city of New 
York with George Roberts and Joshua Wells. In 
1798 in Boston. In 1799 in Provincetown: and in 
1800 on Nantucket. In this station his health, 
which had been feeble from his early youth, so de- 
clined, as to render him unable to perform the 
arduous labours of an itinerant preacher; and at 
the ensuing Conference, he asked and obtained a 
location. He remained on the island of Nantucket 
until 1807, employing his time, as his feeble health 
would permit, in teaching; especially the science 
of navigation ; and in assisting the stationed preach- 
ers in the labours of the ministry. 

It was in this station, in 1803, that I first formed 
a personal acquaintance with this excellent minis- 
ter of the Gospel of Christ. This year I record 
among the most important and profitable years of 
my early ministry, chiefly on account of the bene- 
fits derived from the instructions and holy examples 
of this great and good man. 

In 1807 he removed from Nantucket and settled 
in Western Virginia, near the residence of his father. 
In 1811 he published his " Essays on the Truth of 
1* 



VI PREFACE. 

the Christian Religion." This work was happily 
adapted to the spirit of the times, and was doubtless 
an efficient auxiliary in checking the progress of 
infidelity in the western country, and in the estab- 
lishment of weak and wavering believers in the 
conviction that they had not followed " cunningly 
devised fables/' 7 when they accredited the truth of 
the Christian Revelation. Works on the same sub- 
ject, of less real merit, and far less calculated for 
general usefulness, have passed through several 
editions, while this valuable publication is almost 
forgotten. 

In 1816, Mr. Beauchamp commenced the publi- 
cation of a monthly periodical, in Chilicothe, Ohio, 
with the title of " The Western Christian Moni- 
tor. 57 One of the chief designs of the author in 
issuing this monthly, was to check the progress and 
counteract the deleterious influence of the Pela- 
gian and Arian heresies which, unhappily, had pre- 
vailed to a considerable extent in the West at that 
time. And although the work was discontinued at 
the close of the first year, chiefly in consequence 
of Mr. Beau champ's declining health, it proved an ef- 
ficient agent in removing those false and dangerous 
doctrines from the church. His " Commentary on 
the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church 77 is worthy of all commendation. 

Towards the close of 1817, Mr. Beauchamp re- 
moved with his family to the state of Illinois, where 
he continued, diffusing the blessings of science and 
religion as his health would permit, till 1822, when, 



PREFACE. Vll 

his health having somewhat improved, he was, at 
his own request, readmitted into the travelling con- 
nexion, in the Missouri Conference, and stationed 
in the city of St. Louis. 

From the Conference held in October 1823, he 
was appointed to the Indiana district, which then 
contained eleven circuits. At this Conference he 
was elected a delegate to the General Conference, 
which met in Baltimore, in May 1824. The high 
esteem in which he was held by that body of mi- 
nisters, is well known to many who are still living. 

On his return from Baltimore he resumed the 
labours of his district, though his health was ob- 
viously declining, and attended three quarterly meet- 
ings, and was on his way to the fourth, when his 
old complaint, an affection of the liver, returned, 
and progressed with alarming symptoms. He con- 
tinued sinking under the disease for about six weeks. 
The best medical skill which the country afforded 
proved unavailing, and on the 7th day of October, 
1824, he "finished his course," in perfect peace 
and triumph, at the residence of Mr. Joseph Peck, 
in Paoli, Orange county, Indiana. 

At the session of the Conference which com- 
menced on the 23d of October, about two weeks 
after Mr. Beauchamp : s death, a sermon was preached 
at the request of the Conference on the solemn and 
deeply affecting occasion, from 2 Tim. iv. 6, 7, 8 : 
" For I am now ready to be offered, and the time 
of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good 
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the 



Vlll PREFACE. 

faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown 
of righteousness, which the Lord ? the righteous 
Judge, shall give me at that day." The scene was 
peculiarly solemn and affecting. The preachers, 
and the numerous friends of Mr. Beauchamp who 
were in attendance on the occasion, felt, deeply 
felt, that a great man had fallen in our Israel. 

In looking back to that eventful period, reflections 
mingled with sorrow and joy are awakened in my 
mind. How many of the ministers who were in 
attendance at that Conference, and sorrowed for the 
departure of our beloved Beauchamp, have since 
fallen asleep in the silence of death, and, we trust, 
followed him to the habitation of the Saints in 
light — to the Paradise of God! Among these are 
two of my venerable colleagues, M'Kendree and 
Roberts. And then an Armstrong, a Strange, a 
Green, a Walker, a Thompson, a Dew, a McAllister, 
an Edmonson, and a Wiley, with other younger 
labourers in the vineyard of their Lord. These all 
u rest from their labours, and their works do follow 
them." 

Mr. Beauchamp, shortly before his death, and 
when he was fully conscious that " his departure 
was at hand," gave direction that a number of 
manuscripts, the production of his pen in the last 
few years of his life, should be committed to me, 
and be subject to my disposal. Upon examination, 
I found that most of these papers were in an unfi- 
nished state, and were manifestly designed to be 
revised and enlarged by the author; but whether it 



PREFACE. IX 

was his intention to publish them, I have never 
been able to ascertain. The only manuscript pui 
into my hands in a finished state is, the Letters on 
the " Eternal Sonship of Christ. 75 No sermons were 
among the papers deposited with me, as the writer 
of a biographical notice of Mr. B.. in the eighth 
volume of the Methodist Magazine, informs his 
readers. His "Essay on Divine Law" was not 
half finished, according to his design, as is obvious 
from his introductory remarks. The "Essay on 
Slavery" was still further from being completed. 
Indeed, it was little more than commenced. But 
in both of these, especially the former, there is a 
clear developement of a powerful mind, disciplined 
to profound investigation, and close logical reason- 
ing. The Letters on the Call and Qualifications of 
the Ministers of the Gospel, in which the constitu- 
tional principles and the superior advantages of the 
Itinerant Ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
are stated and vindicated; although not finished, 
are^so full on the subjects of which they treat, as to 
render any addition to them less important, with 
reference to the design of the author — the preserva- 
tion of a spiritual Itinerant Ministry. 

These Letters are now submitted to the public, 
and especially to the ministers of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, with a sincere desire that they 
may prove an effectual means in the renewal and 
perpetuation of the Itinerant Ministry, as instituted 
by our venerable founder, the Rev. John Wesley, 



* PREFACE. 

in conformity with the teachings and examples of 
Christ and his Apostles. 

It is a lamentable truth that this grand system of 
preaching the Gospel has greatly declined among 
us in the last half century. Indeed, in many parts 
of the work ; and to a considerable extent, scarcely 
a vestige of the Itinerant plan remains, except the 
name, and the change of the preachers once in two 
years, not from one circuit to another, but from one 
local station to another. And even this change is 
submitted to, in many places, rather as a require- 
ment of the Discipline than as a measure approved 
and desired. Most of our cities, large towns, and 
even country villages, have abandoned the Wesley- 
an plan, for a regular and stationary ministry. The 
consequences are obvious. In the cities and towns 
where there may be from five to twenty distinct 
charges, the great difficulty of selecting and station- 
ing so many preachers who are well qualified, not 
only to preach the Word, but also to take the pastoral 
charge of the flock of Christ, will readily be per- 
ceived. And it is scarcely possible to do this, with- 
out depriving the circuits of those ministerial and 
pastoral talents, to which, to say the least, they have 
an equal claim with towns and cities. These diffi- 
culties would be chiefly, if not entirely, obviated on 
the Itinerant plan. One minister of age and expe- 
rience might have the charge of at least four of 
these u distinct stations/ 7 with such assistants as, in 
regular circuit order, would carry on the whole 
work, and give the church and congregations the 



PREFACE. XI 

benefit of the various talents of the ministry. What 
a beauty and excellency there is in this distribution 
of the different gifts of the Christian Ministry ! On 
this apostolic plan we may say to the churches, 
"Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas; all are 
yours." Separating country villages from circuits, 
and making them stations, is, in most cases, injurious 
to both, as well as to the preachers who may be ap- 
pointed to serve them. The circuit is weakened 
and reduced in its resources; and the villages must 
have a " young man of popular talents.'- or they can- 
not support the " Station/' Under such circum- 
stances, it frequently occurs that, after a few years 
of toil and discouragement, these stations are again 
connected with the circuits, with little or no improve- 
ment in their condition. Circuits have been divided 
and subdivided, in many instances, more to accom- 
modate a local travelling ministry, than to promote 
the best interests of the people. The result is, that 
the disciplinary allowance of the preachers fails, and 
large deficiencies are reported at the Conferences. 

It is certainly true, that the deficiencies of the 
preachers in most of the Annual Conferences, are 
much greater now than they were twenty, or even 
forty years ago. 

Is there not a cause ? In all ordinaiy cases, the 
experience of many years has fully satisfied me. 
that the division of our great itinerant work into full 
four weeks' circuits, with two preachers appointed 
to each, is the most suitable and efficient mode of 
operations, in view of all the interests connected 



Xll PREFACE. 

with our ministry. On this plan, in almost all cases, 
the circuits may be supplied with ordained ministers 
in charge, and the preachers on trial be usefully em- 
ployed as heipers in carrying on the work. One of 
the peculiar advantages of this plan is, that the young 
preachers will have the opportunity and the means of 
improvement in connexion with ministers of greater 
age and experience. Let this plan be adopted, and 
all the travelling preachers be " men of one work," 
being called of God, not to their farms or their mer- 
chandise, but to preach the unsearchable riches of 
Christ, and the happy results of the system will soon 
be realized over the length and breadth of these 
lands. 

Wherein we have departed from the efficient 
Wesleyan itinerancy, I would say, in the emphatic 
words of our venerable Asbury, " Come back, come 
back!" 

Joshua Soule. 

Hill Grove, Teim., Nov. 1848, 



CONTENTS, 



LETTER L 
General Remarks ...» Page 15 

LETTER II. 

The existence of a Constitution in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church proved , . .29' 

LETTER III. 

Constitutional Principles . . . * 37 

LETTER IV. 

Men are called to the work of the Ministry by the 
Holy Ghost ..,,., 49 

LETTER V. 

All legitimate authority to preach the Word, and to 
administer discipline in the Church of God, is im- 
parted to the Ministers of the Gospel by express 
commission from the Holy Ghost . . .66 

2 (13) 



XIV CONTENTS. 

LETTER VI. 

The same subject continued . . . .77 

LETTER VII. 

The leading principle in the Government of our 
Church, in reference to the Ministry, is the Itine- 
rancy—the Primitive Ministers were Itinerant . 91 

LETTER VIII. 

The superior advantages of a Travelling Ministry 
over a settled one ..... 103 

LETTER IX. 

The same subject continued . . . .117 

LETTER X. 

There is a natural tendency to a settled Ministry— 
our Government framed with a special view to 
counteract this tendency .... 125 



LETTER I. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

My Dear Brotlier, 

The work which you propose to your- 
self, as a candidate for the ministry in the 
Travelling connexion, is great and good. It 
is good in itself, and in its legitimate conse- 
quences ; and great in operation and object 
— in labours, toils, privations, and sufferings 
— and awfully great in responsibility. This 
work is intimately connected with the eternal 
destinies of men ; and in this relation, pre- 
sents an object of such magnitude, in refer- 
ence to importance, as to exceed the grasp 
of human thought. The aspect under which 
it appears, in regard to this relation, is 
awfully responsible, and yet, at the same 
time, pleasingly interesting. 

You are deeply conscious, no doubt, that 

15 



16 BEATJCHAMP'8 LETTERS 

the possession of suitable graces and qualifi- 
cations for this work, is of the highest 
moment, in reference both to your own wel- 
fare, and that of those who may be committed 
to your charge. Under the influence of such 
a view of this subject, you will always be 
ready to receive, with cheerfulness, any com- 
munications calculated to aid you in the 
prosecution of your purpose, — in the acquisi- 
tion of those graces and qualifications, by 
which you will become an able and success- 
ful minister of Christ. 

The dignity which attaches itself to the 
ministerial office, requires a corresponding 
dignity of character in the incumbents. They 
are forbidden, in the most solemn manner, 
and under obligations of the strongest nature, 
to lower themselves down, by any act of impro- 
priety arising from the want either of know- 
ledge or of grace. The sanctity of their 
office — the awfulness of its relations — the 
glory of the objects which it contemplates, 
are charged with motives of eternal weight to 
enforce this prohibition. 

Nothing less than divinely communicated 
goodness and w T isdom, can clothe a minister 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 17 

with the dignity of character which he should 
sustain ; and these alone can prepare him, in 
their united operations, for usefulness in the 
service of God ; — because they will enable 
him to support the dignity of his office, by 
corresponding dignity of character. Here 
lies the strength of his influence ; and here 
is found the pledge of his success. 

A fountain of goodness, opened in the 
heart by the importation of the divine nature, 
and flowing from it in acts of benevolence 
and kindness, should be possessed by the 
minister of the gospel. Nor is it less neces- 
sary that he should have wisdom, equal in 
degree, and of the same divine origin, to di- 
rect the operations of this goodness. With- 
out these, manifested everywhere in his life, 
his office must sink into disgrace. 

The wisdom and the goodness to which I 
refer, are alike the gifts of God — yet they are 
to be obtained by the exertion of human power 
— power not of nature, but of grace. This 
goodness is to be acquired, under the influence 
of the Holy Spirit, by constant acts of devo- 
tion and faith. It is love, love to God and 
man, out of a pure heart, and of a good con- 
2* 



18 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

science, and of faith unfeigned. Without per- 
fect purity of heart, it never can be possessed 
in all its fulness. The wisdom that should 
accompany it, also is obtained, under the 
illuminations of the Holy Ghost, by the proper 
exercise of the understanding in the use of 
the means of knowledge, and in the proper 
application of knowledge to the conduct of 
life. 

Although knowledge is not wisdom, yet 
the possession of the latter cannot be had in 
the absence of the former. Therefore, in or- 
der to become w T ise, you must understand ; 
and in order to understand, you must study. 
The apostolic injunction to Timothy, " Study 
to show thyself approved unto God, a work- 
man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly 
dividing the word of truth," is obligatory on 
every minister, and cannot be disregarded 
without crime. The preacher who neglects 
the duty enjoined in this text, sins against 
himself, against the world, against the church, 
and against God. 

Methodism is primitive Christianity revived, 
in doctrines and discipline. As you will en- 
tertain no doubt in reference to this position, 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 19 

whatever others may think concerning it, 
Methodism will claim your attention, and 
present, in its doctrines and government, the 
great subjects of your studies. 

In regard to the doctrines of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, you will find no difficulty. 
They are contained in the New and Old 
Testaments, they are spread out more at large 
in the pages of our books ; where they are 
supported by masterly argumentation, and 
illustrated in a manner peculiarly lucid. In 
reference to these doctrines, you will find 
abundant sources of information. 

But in regard to the government of our 
church, there is a greater liability to mistake. 
It is true, the Discipline contains the principles 
of this government ; and in respect to the 
members of the church at large, we have 
these principles daily exemplified in the ad- 
ministration of Discipline. But the peculiarity 
of our government in its special reference to 
the Itinerant connexion, is frequently mis- 
understood ; and the excellence of its princi- 
ples as they are adapted to the preservation 
of this connexion, is generally overlooked. 

Ecclesiastical government has occupied 



20 BE AUCH AMP'S LETTERS 

the pens of a great number of learned men. 
But many of them have darkened counsel by 
words without knowledge ; and from the most 
of them, but little advantage is to be derived 
in reference to this subject. However, the 
candid inquirer after truth, laying aside all 
human views, will find in the New Testament 
the leading principles of that government, 
under which the Holy Ghost intended to place 
the Christian church. He will also discover, 
that the minutiae of the government have 
been left, if I mistake not, to be adapted, by 
the wisdom of the ministry, to existing cir- 
cumstances of the church. 

That this subject should be examined with 
more care than is usual, is manifest from the 
following consideration. We seem naturally 
disposed to think, that where men are gene- 
rally agreed, they must be right; and con- 
sequently, that in those principles in which 
Christian denominations are generally united, 
we are not to suspect a want of conformity 
to primitive Christianity. But under no cir- 
cumstances, perhaps, are we so liable to 
mistake, as under such as these. 

The great dissimilarity of Methodism to 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 21 

other religious systems, in particular in regard 
to the government of the ministry, will be 
found to its praise, when diligently and care- 
fully compared with the principles of the New 
Testament. The excellence of its system 
of ministerial government, as it is calculated 
to preserve an Itinerant ministry, is above all 
praise; and it w T ill be found to correspond, 
with great exactness, to the original model 
drawn by the pen of inspiration. 

From various causes operating on a large 
scale, in the natural inclinations of the hu- 
man heart, in the prejudices of education, in 
the tendencies of civil society, a strong dis- 
position arises to lower down the high-toned 
principles of ministerial government, under 
the administration of which the primitive 
ministry became so formidable to the king- 
dom of darkness, and so successful in es- 
tablishing the kingdom of God. An attempt 
has been made to counteract these causes, 
in the principles of the Itinerant connexion ; 
— and to rise up to the dignity of the primitive 
ministry, to the energy of its operations, 
to the honour of its labours, privations and 
sufferings, to the glory of its successes. 



22 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

The event shows that the attempt has not 
been altogether in vain; and the full ac- 
complishment of the most glorious purpose 
now depends upon us, and upon our succes- 
sors, in preserving inviolate the principles of 
our government, especially those which relate 
to the Travelling connexion. 

In my subsequent communications, I shall 
endeavour to assist in preparing you for this 
work— for the preservation of these principles. 

I have no apology to offer for addressing 
you on the subject of the government of our 
church. The necessity of discussing this 
subject, and the object I have in view, to aid 
in preserving the Itinerant connexion, raise 
me far above the need of any apology. But 
were this not so — in your friendly regard for 
me, — in my relation to you as an elder minis- 
ter — and in your readiness of mind to receive 
and improve instruction, I should find suf- 
ficient advocates with you, to justify my 
procedure. 

The necessity of discussing this subject. — This 
arises from many considerations. In special 
reference to yourself, it is of the utmost im- 
portance for you to have correct views of the 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 23 

government of our church. For otherwise, 
you will not be able to adopt it, cheerfully 
and rationally, at your admission into the 
Travelling connexion ; neither will you be 
qualified to execute it, when placed in charge 
with its administration. 

Both of these considerations are of great 
weight. To be admitted into the Travelling 
connexion, without a knowledge of the prin- 
ciples by which it is governed, will place you 
in alarming circumstances. Ignorant of 
the government obligatory upon you, and 
bound, most solemnly and sacredly, to exe- 
cute it correctly, and defend it faithfully, what 
language can describe the difficulties and 
dangers by which you will be surrounded ! 
Your incapacity to defend it, may lead you to 
think that it is not capable of defence, and 
may turn away your mind from a love of the 
highest excellence. From disaffection you 
may be tempted to violate the most sacred 
vows of your ordination. If these things 
should not occur, your ignorance will expose 
you to contempt, by the commission of errors 
in its administration. 

In a general point of view, as you may have 



24 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

to contend with the influence of the times in 
favouring the spirit of innovation, this necessity 
will appear. The spirit of innovation is always 
awake, and actively engaged in the work of 
mischief. iVnd as novelty, the great principle 
under which it operates, is the admiration 
of the present age, its influence becomes pro- 
portionately stronger. Besides, assuming at 
present the imposing aspect of reformation , it 
approaches the young and inexperienced with 
captivating charms. This venerable aspect pre- 
sents it with so much plausibility, as to render 
it dangerous in the extreme. 

The unparalleled success of our Travelling 
ministry, presents its excellence to view in a 
strong point of light ; while it infers, from a 
similarity in effect, a similarity in principle to 
the primitive Christian ministry. God has 
blessed the labours of this connexion in a 
wonderful manner ; and by the sanction of his 
own seal, he has rendered its legitimacy un- 
questionable. No stronger recommendation 
of the principles, under which it subsists, and 
by which it is governed, can be given ; and 
this should lead us to guard them with great 
and watchful care, that we may hand them 






TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 25 

down to our successors whole and sound. We 
should regard the least innovation with a jeal- 
ous eye, and meet it with instant rejection. 
The spirit of accommodation, when it has an 
innovating bearing on any of these principles, 
should be regarded with an eye of disappro- 
bation, and rejected with abhorrence, as being, 
above all things, most likely to work our 
ruin. 

The argument in favour of our having the 
divine approbation, drawn from the astonish- 
ing success with which the Travelling con- 
nexion has been attended, is corroborated in 
an awful manner, by the ruin which has over- 
taken all who have withdrawn from us, for 
the purpose of constituting different forms of 
government. This speaks more than volumes 
against division, and against its precursor, 
innovation. This warning voice speaks, like 
peals of thunder, in the ears of reason. Let 
us hearken, and take heed. 

The Itinerancy is the life of Methodism ; 
the great spring that keeps every part of the 
machine in operation ; the vital principle which 
imparts animation, health, strength, and 
vigour throughout the whole body. Destroy 
3 



26 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

this, and you will destroy Methodism. Her 
name may remain ; but her glory will be de- 
parted. The life and power of godliness in 
her will be no more. She will descend the 
declivity of defection in faith, until she is 
engulphed in the Dead Sea of formality. 

Our principles of government, in reference 
to the ministry, are as necessary to the exist- 
ence of the Itinerancy, as it is to the existence 
of Methodism. Introduce innovations in re- 
gard to them, so as to weaken their influence, 
or to break them as connecting bonds, and 
ruin will be the consequence. 

In particular, if we would support the Itine- 
rancy in health and vigour, we must preserve 
the executive department of the government 
entire and inviolate. The Episcopacy, with 
whom this department is deposited, is the pre- 
serving principle of the Itinerancy. In the 
exercise of its present powers, it is a princi- 
ple of conservation ; introducing order, unity, 
and nervous operation, into the ranks of the 
connexion. By directing the mighty host of 
Travelling preachers, in a simultaneous attack 
upon the powers of darkness, the greatest pos- 
sible effect is produced — and victory rendered 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 27 

certain. Without an undivided principle of 
power in the executive department of the 
government, pervading as a soul the whole 
body, unity in design and order in operation 
would be impossible ; and without unity and 
order nothing can be effected. 

The power of appointment, lodged in the 
hands of the Episcopacy, is the main-spring 
in this mighty machine, the Travelling con- 
nexion. This should be preserved with the 
greatest care. The plan of our Itinerant Gene- 
ral Superintendency , especially in regard to 
this power, should be surrounded with strong 
bulwarks, in the principles and affections of 
the preachers and people belonging to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. No one should 
be suffered to innovate this plan, on any ac- 
count whatever ; not only because innovation 
is prohibited by constitutional principles, but 
chiefly because it is forbidden by the doctrine 
of expedience. Upon its preservation depends 
the peace and safety of our church. 

A high-toned missionary spirit is necessary 
to retain a minister in the Travelling con- 
nexion. When this is so far lowered down by 
spiritual decay, that its possessor is no longer 



28 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

willing to receive his appointment from the 
hands of the Episcopacy, he drops out of the 
Itinerancy ; and consequently is no longer an 
obstruction to its operations. This effect 
arising from the present administration of our 
government in the exercise of the power of 
appointment, tends greatly to the conservation 
of the church in general, and of the Itinerant 
connexion in particular. We, as ministers, 
ought to remember this ; and the church 
should never forget it. 

I must now close this letter. In my subse- 
quent communications, I shall attempt to 
illustrate and defend the principles of our pre- 
sent form of government. 

I remain, very affectionately, 
Yours in Christ, 

W B . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 29 



LETTER II. 

THE EXISTENCE OF A CONSTITUTION IN THE METHO- 
DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROVED. 

My Dear Brother, 

The habits of thinking arising from 
education, and the influence of custom, have 
a prodigious power over the understandings 
of men. These often so blind them that they 
become, in a certain degree, incapable of im- 
partially discussing particular subjects, and 
hence men sometimes advance propositions 
which they would blush to acknowledge, if 
they had proceeded in a rational and impartial 
manner in the examination of the subjects 
involved. 

In this country some very absurd notions 
exist in reference to the nature of constitu- 
tions. The people are accustomed to see the 
constitutional principles of their civil institu- 
3* 



30 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

tions reduced to a written form of a regular 
nature ; and therefore the unthinking part of 
them seem disposed to believe, that those so- 
cieties that have not written forms of con- 
stitutional principles, are altogether without 
constitutions. 

This absurd notion has been advanced in 
reference to our church, although she has a 
Discipline containing, defining, and predicating 
the constitutional principles of her govern- 
ment. It may, therefore, be proper to offer a 
few arguments going to prove that the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church is not without a con- 
stitution. 

In respect to the conviction of your own 
mind, this, no doubt, is unnecessary ; but it 
may be of some use to you, when called to 
defend the character and government of our 
church. From among the great number of 
the considerations which press on this point, 
I select the following : — 

1. It is not necessary that a constitution 
be written, to give it existence. Many nations 
have been without the knowledge of letters. 
These could have no written constitutions. 
But in the governments of these nations w T ere 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. SI 

there no constitutions ? Most certainly they 
were not destitute of all constitutional princi- 
ples. 

How many nations, not less famous for 
literature than for greatness, have flourished- 
in the world for ages, without ever reducing 
their constitutions to written forms ! Were 
not the nations of Greece and Rome such ? 
And are there not some such nations now in 
existence ? 

The idea that a constitution, in order to 
give it existence, must be written, can be 
tolerated in no mind, but under the protec- 
tion of the grossest ignorance. I know of no 
constitution, even though it may have been 
written in the most regular form, but what is 
based on some great principles which are not 
expressly written in the body of the instru- 
ment. Now these principles are as much a 
part of the constitution, as if they had been 
expressly written in the instrument itself. For, 
remove them, and the written constitution 
itself will cease to exist. 

Therefore, no argument can lie against 
the existence of a constitution in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, on the ground that she has 



32 BEATJCHAMP'S LETTERS 

no formal instrument, which she has chosen 
to call a constitution. 

2. But although she has no such formal in- 
strument, yet she has written principles of a 

•constitutional nature; and these, not few in 
number, are recognised in the Book of Disci- 
pline. People who have been told that we 
have no constitution in our church, would be 
surprised, not a little, on being informed, that 
w T e have more than seventy constitutional ar- 
ticles expressly written ; besides some great 
constitutional principles, on which the gov- 
ernment is based, and upon which the admin- 
istration in every part proceeds. 

3. That system of constitutional principles, 
recognised by the Discipline as such, because 
not subject to the power of the General Con- 
ference, was constituted and adopted in such 
a manner, as to stamp it with the inviolability 
of the most solemn compact. Reserving a 
more particular discussion of this subject for 
another place, I would here just remark, that 
both ministers and people cordially adopted 
this system of government. This considera- 
tion should have great weight. 

The alterations, which, at any time, have 



TO A CANDIDATE FOE. THE MINISTRY. 33 

taken place, in reference to this system, re- 
gard, chiefly if not wholly, the constituting 
of a delegated General Conference, and the 
limiting and defining of its powers. There- 
fore, they affect no principle of a general in- 
terest in the church, but the legislative 
department of the government ; and even 
this in such a way as to give greater security 
to the rights and immunities of both people 
and ministers. Besides, the alterations w T ere 
adopted by the Itinerancy, and cheerfully re- 
ceived by the people. 

4. The principles brought into new in my 
last paper, and recognised in the Discipline 
as not being subject to the power of the Gene- 
ral Conference, have always been acknow- 
ledged as constitutional ones, ever since their 
adoption ; and the government, in all its de- 
partments, has proceeded upon them as such. 
But now, behold ! a great discovery is made ! 
— they want the nature of constitutional prin- 
ciples ! And forsooth — because they may, 
perhaps, not be correct in themselves — be- 
cause the power which gave them birth was, 
peradventure, not quite legitimate — because 
the people of the Methodist Episcopal Church 



34 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

did not ratify them with so much pomp and 
formality as to please the vanity of corrupt 
minds! And such are the causes of com- 
plaint, preferred by a few wild geniuses or 
disappointed individuals. 

5. But the present question is not, whether 
the principles which we call constitutional 
are correct in themselves or not — whether 
the power which gave them birth was legiti- 
mate or not — whether the procedure which 
took place at their formation, was proper or 
not — or whether they were ratified by the 
Methodist people with as much pomp and 
formality as some might desire ; but the ques- 
tion is, whether they have the nature of con- 
stitutional principles — whether they have 
been received by the church as such. That 
they have been so received is a matter of 
fact. It is not necessary that the system 
formed by the principles should be in all re- 
spects good, in order to give it the nature and 
force of a constitution. Thousands of bad 
constitutions exist ; but their quality does not 
destroy their existence. I hope, however, to 
make it evident, that our constitution is a 
good one. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR, THE MINISTRY. 35 

6. But to put this question for ever at rest. 
In the very nature of things, no society can 
exist without a constitution. For the very 
bonds under which it subsists, are constitu- 
tional principles ; and they operate as such to 
preserve it in being. The destruction of all 
constitutional principles would necessarily 
terminate the existence of the society. No 
matter whether these principles be written or 
oral; they still form a constitution ; they form 
the compact under which the society subsists, 
and by which it is bound. 

This argument, independent of all other 
considerations, is invincible. To talk about 
any society as existing without a constitution, 
is the grossest folly ; and the man that does 
so, can hardly give stronger proof that he is 
destitute of common sense. To add any 
further evidence of the existence of a consti- 
tution in our church, must be altogether use- 
less. However, if any should still disbelieve, 
let them weigh the following remark. 

If we have no constitution, then every act 
of our government has been without authority ; 
and consequently an act of usurpation. The 
conclusion is unavoidable. Yet, while this 



36 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

uninterrupted usurpation has been going on, 
heaven has sanctioned our operations, even 
this prodigality of wickedness, by the aston- 
ishing success with which our ministry has 
been attended ! Such usurpation never existed 
among us — for heaven never sanctions wick- 
edness. 

The remarks contained in this sheet have 
been elicited by an unpleasant circumstance. 
The existence of a constitution in our church 
has been called in question, by men whose 
standing in society is calculated to give weight 
and prevalence to their sentiments. What 
will not men do to serve a purpose ? 

This circumstance, while it exhibits the 
weakness of human nature in a very strong 
point, wears a portentous aspect. Let us 
learn from it, whom to trust. 

I am, under the pleasant bonds of the con- 
stitution of our church, yours in love, 

W ■ B— — . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOE. THE MINISTRY. 37 



LETTER III. 

CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES.. 

My Deai* Brother, 

In my last letter, I attempted to estab- 
lish the doctrine, that a constitution exists in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this 
paper I purpose giving a succinct view of the 
principles of this constitution. I shall com- 
municate them in the form of propositions ; 
and any remarks I may wish to make respect- 
ing them, I shall place below as notes. 

You will readily perceive that these propo- 
sitions are not given as the constitution of our 
church, but only as expressing the principles 
which form that constitution. You will keep 
this thought in remembrance. 

I. Propositions respecting constitutional 
principles of a general nature, 
4 



38 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

1. Men are called to the work of the min- 
istry by the Holy Ghost. # 

2. All legitimate authority to preach the 
word, and to administer discipline in the 
church of God, is imparted to the ministers 
of the gospel, by express commission from the 
Holy Ghost, f 

* The principle here expressed, lies at the foun- 
dation of every church government, which has the 
least claim to authority on scriptural ground. The 
whole system of our government rests upon it. It 
is presupposed by every part of the Discipline: and 
the references to it, and applications of it, made in 
the Discipline, sufficiently evince, that our church 
considers it as the first great constitutional principle 
in her government. 

t The doctrine contained in this proposition, in 
reference to its divine authority and high importance, 
will be taken into view in a subsequent paper. I 
would, however, make a few remarks in this place. 

This principle necessarily results from the former 
one: and from the most cursory review of the sub- 
ject, it will be evident that it is a constitutional 
principle in our system of government. For it runs 
throughout the whole of this system ; pervades, as 
the soul, every part of it ; and wherever to it refer- 
ence is made, it is recognised as being 'predicated 
and incontrovertible. 

Indeed, the whole of church government is based 



l T0 A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 39 

3. The ministry of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church is Itinerant.* 

upon it; and to call it in question, is to deny all 
legitimate authority of an ecclesiastical nature. 
For, in the very nature of things, there can be no 
authority to preach the word, and to administer 
discipline in the church, but that which is given by 
commission from the Holy Ghost. 

* That this is a principle of a constitutional na- 
ture, is evident from many considerations, among 
which are the following. 

It is one of the strongest features in the govern- 
ment, impressing upon Methodism a more striking 
mark of distinction than anything else, and raising 
her excellence and dignity in a remarkable resem- 
blance to primitive Christianity. 

It involves the authority of the government, and 
the energies of the administration, in every de- 
partment. 

And above all, as the central point in the govern- 
ment, as the great spring of prosperity to the church, 
it has a direct bearing upon those principles which 
are evidently constitutional — with special reference 
to its own preservation. These reasons are abun- 
dantly sufficient. 

The proposition, however, may appear at the 
first view to require some qualification, in regard 
to our local brethren. I may, if opportunity should 
offer, treat this subject more at large at some future 
time. I would here observe that the terms local 



40 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

4. The Articles of Religion are constitu- 
tional principles.* (Dis. p. 21.) 

location, and locality have become technicals with 
us; and as such, they do not convey the specific 
idea of a settled ministry. 

Our local brethren are not confined by settlement 
to any particular congregations. Their ministerial 
labours are circumscribed only by necessity, arising 
from their situation in life. They are under no re- 
straint by either engagement or appointment. For 
they preach where they please, and when they 
please, as opportunity offers, and their circumstances 
permit. 

They therefore sustain a character distinctly dif- 
ferent from that of a settled ministry. They are, in 
a certain sense, Travelling preachers: itinerating 
from place to place, to preach the gospel of Christ, 
as their circumstances permit. 

* No legislative power among us has any authority 
to alter our doctrines of religion ; for the General 
Conference, with whom this authority is lodged, is 
prohibited from treading upon the ground of our faith. 

This constitutional prohibition is of the first im- 
portance to the peace and safety of the church, 
especially in our day, so famous for the spirit of 
innovation. It has become fashionable in the 
Christian world to treat the most sacred doctrines 
with a levity which suits no character but that of a 
deist. I am sorry that truth obliges me to make this 
statement. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 41 

5. The terms of communion, contained in 
our General Rules, are constitutional princi- 
ples/ (Dis. p. 22.) 

6. Membership in our church, both in re- 
ference to the laity and ministry, is held 
sacred, and guarded by constitutional provi- 
sions.! (Dis. p. 22.) 

II. Propositions , in relation to the division 
of power , respecting constitutional principles in 
reference to the General Conference. 

7. The General Conference, consisting of 
representatives from all the Annual Confer- 
ences, and holding its sessions quadrennially, 

* These General Rules, like the Articles of 
Religion, are rendered sacred by constitutional 
provisions. Over them no legislative power has 
any control, so as to revoke or alter any of them. 

t No one can lose his membership among us, 
either as a minister or a private person, except by a 
voluntary act in withdrawing from us, or by the 
commission of crime, well substantiated before a 
proper tribunal. 

Every minister or preacher has the privileges of 
trial, in all possible cases, before a committee of 
his peers, and of an appeal to a higher court : and 
these privileges are constitutionally secured. 

The constitution secures the same privileges, in all 
possible cases, to the private members of the church. 
4 # 



42 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

is the legislative body of the church ; being 
in possession of delegated and limited powers. 
{Bis. p. 20.) 

8. Two-thirds of the representatives from 
all the Annual Conferences, are necessary to 
make a quorum in the General Conference. 
{Bis. p. 21.) 

9. The president of the General Conference 
is always one of the bishops, except when 
they are all absent; then it has power to 
choose a president pro tempore. {Bis. p. 20.) 

10. The authority of the General Conference 
extends to fixing the number of representa- 
tives, but so as to allow not more than one 
representative for every five members of the 
Annual Conference, nor a less number than 
one for every seven. # {Bis. p. 21.) 

11. The General Conference has authority, 
by a vote of a majority of two-thirds, to alter, 
upon the joint recommendation of all the 
Annual Conferences, any limitation by which 
its powers are circumscribed.! {Bis. p. 22.) 

* It is probable that this will undergo some alte- 
ration, in order to reduce the number of representa- 
tives, already too numerous. 

f This principle has occasioned some complaint. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 43 

12. The authority of the General Confer- 
ence extends, by a vote of a majority of two- 
thirds, to adopt, upon the joint recommenda- 
tion of all the Annual Conferences, any new 
constitutional principle not contrary to the 
genius of the constitution. # 

13. The General Conference has full power 
to make rules and regulations for the govern- 
ment of our church, under certain specified 
limitations and restrictions.! (Dis. p. 21.) 

The same men, for opposite reasons, have preferred 
charges against its propriety. On the one hand, 
they complain that this renders it next to impossible 
to effect any alteration in the restrictive provisions ; 
and on the other hand, that it authorizes the Annual 
Conferences, in connexion with the General Con- 
ference, to alter even the ground of our faith. So 
it seems it is too rigid, and too lax, at the same 
time ! 

This glaring inconsistency shows, that the com- 
plaint is predicated in ignorance. 

*It is admitted, that this is an inferred principle; 
but it is evident that it results as a necessary conse- 
quence, from the preceding principle. 

t In this grant are delegated the principal powers 
of the General Conference. They appear to be con- 
siderably large — sufficiently so for all the purposes 
of good government. But when it is considered 



44 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

III. Propositions respecting constitutional 
principles , in reference to the Annual Confer- 
ences, 

14. The Annual Conferences have authority 
to appoint, or elect, their number of delegates 
to the General Conference. (Dis. p. 20.) 

15. The authority of the Annual Confer- 
ences extends to advising the General Super- 
intendents to call, at any time, a General 
Conference ; and if there be no General 
Superintendent, to calling respectively them- 
selves a General Conference at any time when 
they may judge it necessary. (Dis. p. 20.) 

16. The Annual Conferences have authority 
to propose, by their joint recommendation, to 
the General Conference, any alteration in the 
restrictive provisions of the constitution. 
(Dis. p. 22.) 

17. The Annual Conferences have authority 
to propose, by their joint recommendation, to 

that the constitutional principles recognised by the 
limitations } and all others necessarily resulting from 
the genius of our government, are not included in 
this delegation of power, it may be thought that the 
powers of the General Conference are not so gigantic 
as to create any alarm. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 45 

the General Conference, any new constitu- 
tional principle for adoption — provided it be 
not contrary to the genius of the constitution. 

18. The Annual Conferences have authority 
to judge of questions of constitutionality ; and 
the concurring decision of a majority of them 
must be finals 

IV. Propositions respecting constitutional 
principles in reference to the Episcopacy. 

19. Episcopacy is essential to our govern- 
ment, and subsists in it under a particular 
Plan of Itinerant General Superintendency ; 
the essential principles of which plan are con- 
stitutional — not subject to the power of the 
General Conference. {Bis. p. 21, 22.) 

20. The great leading principle of Episco- 
pal power in our government, is unity, f 

# The constitutional principles, recognised in the 
two last propositions, necessarily result from the 
nature of the Annual Conferences, as constituting the 
body of the Itinerancy. 

f That this is a fundamental principle in our go- 
vernment, is manifest. The Superintendency of 
this power is not only Itinerant, but general ; and 
therefore a bishop is required to travel at large. Tt 
is not subject to division — because it is general. 



46 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

21. The Episcopacy is charged with the 
Executive department of the government, and 
required to perform all executive acts, by its 
own members, or by its officers. (Bis. p. 
26, par. 3, 5.) 

22. It possesses, as a necessary power for 
the accomplishment of the above duty, the 
prerogative of appointing the presiding elders 
and of stationing the preachers. (Dis. p. 26, 
28, par. 2, 1.) 

23. The power of ordination is delegated 
to the Episcopacy. # (Dis. p. 26, par. 6.) 

24. The prerogative of presiding in our 
Conferences, both General and Annual, is 
held by the Episcopacy.f (Dis. p. 26.) 

Division would render it particular, in contradistinc- 
tion to its being general. The incumbents of this office 
constitute, therefore, one body, holding one office, 
and being equal in power, and bound to act in unity 
of design and operation. But more of this here- 
after. 

* If the Episcopal office should ever become va- 
cant, the General Conference has authority, having 
elected a bishop, to appoint three of the elders 
to ordain him. 

t If no bishop should be present at any Confer- 
ence, it has authority to appoint a president, 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 4/ 

25. The members of the Episcopacy are 
invested with authority, by the election of the 
General Conference, and by ordination. 
(Dis. p. 25.) 

26. The bishops are amenable to the Gene- 
ral Conference ; and, for improper conduct , 
either in reference to morality or official ad- 
ministration, it may expel them. (Bis. p. 26.) 

V. Proposition respecting a constitutional 
principle , in reference to temporal concerns, 

27. The produce of the Book Concern, and 
of the Charter Fund, cannot be applied to any 
purpose but the benefit of the Travelling:, su- 
pernumerary, superannuated and worn-out 
preachers, their wives, widows, and children. 
(Dis. p. 22.) 

I shall conclude this letter by observing, 
that in the preceding twenty-seven proposi- 
tions, I have endeavoured to present a brief 
and general view of the constitutional princi- 
ples of our government. I do not say, that 
they contain all these principles ; but I may, 
perhaps, be permitted to say that this view is 
tolerably correct. 

excepting where, in the Annual Conferences, the 
Episcopacy appoints some one by letter. 



48 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

I know, indeed, that several of the doc- 
trines involved in these principles, are called 
in question. And, therefore, in subsequent 
papers, I shall enter more at large into 
the defence and illustration of these doc- 
trines. 

I am yours, affectionately, in the fellow- 
ship of a church, whose government I love, 
W— B — . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR, THE MINISTRY. 49 



LETTER IV. 

MEN ARE CALLED TO THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY BY 
THE HOLY GHOST. 

My Bear Brother, 

In my last letter I laid before you a 
succinct view of the principles of the consti- 
tution of our church. In the paper before 
that, I endeavoured to establish, by various 
arguments, the existence of a constitution in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. To the ar- 
guments then urged, there is no necessity 
of adding anything further. The arguments 
already offered, are more than sufficient to 
settle the point in question. Indeed the 
subject is so plain, that it would have looked 
like folly to argue it, had it not been for ex- 
isting circumstances. 

Doctrines frequently receive currency in 
the world, not from the evidence of their 
5 



50 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

truth and excellence, but from the celebrity 
of their authors. Men who are in possession 
of a little popularity, sometimes advance new 
and extravagant doctrines, in order to fix the 
attention of the gaping multitude upon them- 
selves as prodigies of wisdom — because of 
the astonishing discoveries that they have 
made. And it sometimes happens, that such 
persons become popular, in proportion to their 
extravagance. 

When by circumstances, seemingly fortunate, 
they are enabled to occupy this ground, they 
stamp their paper with a fictitious value, and 
pass it upon the world as though its credibility 
was sufficient to give it universal currency. 
But enter the vaults — count the precious me- 
tals promised in payment on the face of their 
bills. Alas! they are as empty as vanity 
itself. Their w T ails never enclosed such pre- 
cious deposits. However, no matter for that, 
so long as it can be kept a secret. 

But it must not remain a secret. The ex- 
posure is required — by the good of the world 
— by the peace of society — by the interests 
of the church — and by the glory of God. 

The necessity of refuting doctrines of a 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 51 

very extravagant nature, is sometimes the 
more pressing in proportion as they are the 
more extravagant, especially when they ap- 
proach us under the sanction of a very re- 
spectable parentage, invested with the im- 
posing habiliments of a fine style, covered 
with the charms of novelty, and promising 
liberty as the reward of our acceptance. I will 
not say, that the doctrine opposed in my last 
paper came with all these recommendations ; 
but I will say, that none can be more famous 
for extravagance, and few, perhaps, for dan- 
gerous tendency. 

But this question is for ever at rest. An- 
other part of the subject demands attention. 

We have a constitution — this is a matter 
of fact, as evident as the existence of our so- 
ciety. But is it a good one ? — Is it legitimate 
in its origin? — regular in the procedure of 
its formation ? — correct in its principles ? — 
and happy and salutary in its tendency? 
It is all this — as my subsequent communica- 
tions, I hope, will sufficiently evince. 

The first great principle, w T hich lies at the 
foundation of the government of our church, 
and which, indeed, lies at the foundation of 



52 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

all legitimate ecclesiastical government, is, 
" Men are called to the work of the ministry 
by the Holy Ghost." On this the whole of 
our government rests. It is frequently re- 
cognised in the Discipline, as a first great 
principle of a constitutional nature, especially 
in the forms of ordination. And you know T 
that before a man can be admitted among us 
even as a candidate for the ministry, he must 
not only profess to believe that he is moved 
by the Holy Ghost to this work — but he must 
give evidence of his call, in his grace, gifts, 
and fruits. 

It must be admitted as an incontrovertible 
position, that every man who has a legitimate 
claim to the sacred office, has been called of 
God to this work ; and by the consecration 
of the Spirit only, he can be prepared to be- 
come an able minister of the New Testa- 
ment. 

Therefore, as a candidate for the ministry, 
your first great concern is, to know that you 
are called by the Spirit of God to this work. 
For without this knowledge, every step you 
take in accomplishing the object of your pur- 
suit, is an act of presumption. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 53 

But you will always remember, that before 
a man is called to the ministerial office, he is 
made a subject of grace, in the enjoyment of 
experimental religion. For man, by nature 
a child of wrath, an enemy to God, a stranger 
to the covenants of promise, and an alien to 
the commonwealth of Israel, can never, in 
this unconverted state, be admitted into holy 
orders, by the Holy Ghost. For such admis- 
sion would involve absurdity, which cannot 
be attributed to Infinite Wisdom. He must 
first be justified by faith, and be made a par- 
taker of the divine nature. He must be 
delivered from the power of darkness, and 
translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. 

When a man submits to the influence of 
the Spirit, so as to receive in himself the 
principles of a new and divine life, he is con- 
stituted a child of God, and a subject of the 
Redeemer's kingdom. Then he may sustain, 
with propriety, the character of an ambassador 
of Christ, being called to this work by the 
Holy Ghost. 

The evidences of this call, and qualifica- 
tions to perform the duties imposed by it, are 
given in the special influences of the Spirit — 
5* 



54 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

communicating burning zeal for the glory of 
God, and more than common desire for the 
salvation of men — imparting to the under- 
standing " a right judgment in the things of 
God, a just conception of salvation by faith" 
— and touching the tongue with the fire of 
heavenly eloquence. — These personal evi- 
dences, existing in qualifications for the work, 
are corroborated by the effects produced in 
the exercise of the ministry. Souls are con- 
verted to God. 

If any man stand in the gracious state before 
described, and possess the evidences of his 
call to the ministry as here briefly delineated, 
he may rest assured that he has a legitimate 
claim to the sacred office. Should this be 
your situation, let me address the language 
of Paul unto you: "Make full proof of thy 
ministry." 

The excellence of our government, in refer- 
ence to this subject, w T ill appear, from our 
sacred regard for the ministerial office. We 
do not admit into this office, those whom we 
believe to be unconverted, or'not called by the 
Holy Ghost to exercise the sacred functions. 

We may differ from others, in regard to 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. OO 

our views of the Christian ministry. We think 
that the relations it bears to the world, to the 
church, and to God, invest it with high re- 
spectability ; that it sustains a character of 
dignity more than mortal, in the holiness of 
its functions, and in its intimate connexion 
with the concerns of eternity ; and that the 
responsibility which it imposes upon its in- 
cumbents, a responsibility immeasurably 
great, throws around it an air of terrible 
majesty, forbidding, under awful considera- 
tions, the approach of all who are not called 
of God to the work of the ministry. 

In this respect our church is worthy of great 
praise ; and her merit is so much the greater, 
as she has had to contend with the influence 
of opposing opinions, made strong by general 
adoption in the Christian world. The doctrine 
of human consecration, in reference to the 
gospel ministry, has been for many ages pre- 
valent, and carried into practical operation. 
The sacred office has been made a subject of 
speculation, and the preparation and the con- 
secration of men to fill it, a mere mercenary 
trade. The divine prerogative of calling, pre- 
paiing, and constituting the ministers of Christ, 



56 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

has been usurped by daring mortals ; and 
under the long continuance of this usurpation, 
they have become confident that they are fully 
able to accomplish this great and divine work. 
And to such an astonishing height has this 
presumptuous confidence arisen, that, instead 
of feeling guilt for the commission of this 
crime, they arrogate to themselves great merit 
for doing so much for the church of God. 

They do indeed make their pupils learned; 
they polish them with arts and sciences; they 
fill their heads with the principles of logic ; 
they soften and sweeten their tongues with the 
oil of eloquence. But they cannot make these 
rebels to God his loyal subjects; they cannot 
change them in heart ; and therefore they place 
them in the priestly office as vain, as proud, as 
ungodly, as they were before they passed 
under their consecrating influence. And if 
these candidates were saints, their masters in 
Israel could not anoint them with that unction 
of the Holy Ghost, without which no man can 
preach "in the demonstration of the spirit and 
of power." 

Our church, indeed, does not despise human 
learning. She sets a high value upon it. She 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 57 

knows that the minister who is in possession 
of it, has great advantages above those who 
do not enjoy it. But she has learned to think 
and act according to the principles recorded 
in the Holy Scriptures. Here she finds the 
ministerial character drawn with the peculiari- 
ties of a divine call, and qualifications impart- 
ed by supernatural influence. And therefore 
she concludes that the Holy Ghost makes every 
legitimate minister , and that the Holy Ghost 
alone qualifies him to fill the office with hon- 
our and success. 

In departing from these views, the Christian 
w T orld has fallen into gross errors ; in conse- 
quence of which the ministerial office has 
been prostituted to the basest of purposes — to 
the accomplishment of the blackest designs, 
which were ever formed by human ambi- 
tion. Many causes, no doubt, have been 
combined in operation, to work the corruption 
of the ministry. But not one, in my opinion, 
has operated with so much energy, or with 
such mischievous effect, as the filling of the 
sacred office with unsuitable persons — with 
persons the Holy Ghost never designed for the 
work of the ministry. 



58 BEATJCHAMP's LETTERS 

Wherever the doctrine of the divine appoint- 
ment and consecration of the ministry has been 
denied or passed over with disregard in the 
administration of ecclesiastical government, 
there godliness has ceased to exist — because 
there a legitimate gospel ministry has given 
place to a spurious one — a ministry which is 
a mere shadow — a name without the reality 
of the thing — a form without the life and 
power, because it has not the unction of 
the Holy Ghost. 

The doctrine advocated in this sheet, is of 
vital importance in the system of Christianity. 
The truth, the excellence, the harmonious 
connexion, dependence, and consistency of 
this system, the glory of its doctrines, the pu- 
rity of its moral obligations in reference to 
their practical influence, the vitality and en- 
ergy of the gospel, all depend upon the prin- 
ciple involved in this doctrine. 

Remove this principle, and destruction will 
ensue. Christianity divested of this will be- 
come like ancient Palmyra. It will be a 
heap of beautiful ruins, all lying in disorder, 
amidst a silence deep as that of death, where 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 59 

nothing is heard, where nothing is seen but 
the dreary waste. 

I leave you to pursue, in some future hour 
of leisure, the reflections suggested by this 
remark, while I observe that at present our 
attention is called to the evidence of the doc- 
trine here advocated. 

It will not be expected, that this evidence 
can be spread out at large on the pages of 
these letters. The limits prescribed to them, 
render this impossible. For such is the 
abundance of it, that a full developement of 
this part of the subject would require a work 
of many volumes. 

Therefore I shall only make a few observa- 
tions in regard to this evidence, referring 
you to the sources whence it flows in great 
abundance. 

That our church has not departed from the 
doctrines of the gospel, in that part of her 
government which respects the doctrine under 
consideration, is evident from the whole tenor 
of the New Testament. The writings of this 
Holy Book everywhere evince that the Chris- 
tian priesthood, like that of Aaron, is of 
divine appointment. The facts herein re- 



60 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

corded in relation to the calling of the 
Apostles and the first ministers of the gospel, 
with a multitude of references to this subject, 
go to establish this doctrine beyond con- 
troversy. 

Arguments going to prove that ministers 
can be made by the Holy Ghost only, may 
be drawn from the calling of the Apostles, 
and of the seventy disciples whom Christ sent 
to preach his gospel — from the calling of 
those ministers who were sent immediately 
after the ascension of Christ — from the extra- 
ordinary call of St. Paul, with many others 
mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles — from 
many passages of Scripture, expressly con- 
taining the doctrine — from many more having 
a plain reference to it — from the nature of the 
office — from the impossibility of discharging 
its duties, without this call of the Spirit — 
from the great success which attended the 
preaching of the primitive ministers, who 
professed to be called by the Holy Ghost — 
from like success now attending the ministry 
of those who claim the same mission of the 
Spirit, and who support their claim by their 
works — from the want of success in all who 



TO A CANDIDATE FOE, THE MINISTRY. 61 

deny the doctrine — from the absurdities and 
dangerous consequences resulting from the 
denial of this doctrine. 

I shall produce a few passages from the 
Holy Scriptures, and make some remarks 
upon them. 

I. " Pray ye therefore the Lord of the har- 
vest, that he will send forth labourers into his 
harvest. " {Matt. ix. 38.) 

1. It is worthy of observation, that this 
language was spoken in direct reference to 
the ministers of the gospel, as receiving their 
mission from God, the Lord of the harvest. 
For these words fell from the lips of Jesus as 
he " went about preaching the gospel of the 
kingdom," " saw the multitudes, 55 " and was 
moved with compassion on them — because 
they were scattered abroad as sheep having 
no shepherd." These multitudes he repre- 
sents under the figure of a plentiful harvest, 
and laments the fewness of the labourers — 
the want of ministers to preach the gospel 
of the kingdom. (Matt. ix. 36, 37.) 

2. On this ground Jesus Christ exhorts his 
disciples to pray the Lord of the harvest, the 
God of glory, to send forth spiritual labourers 



62 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

into his harvest — to send forth pastors to 
gather these scattered sheep of the house of 
Israel into the fold of God. 

3. Therefore it is evident that the power of 
sending forth labourers — ministers of the gos- 
pel — belongs to the Lord of the harvest. God 
only can commission men to preach the word 
of life. If men could send forth labourers, with 
proper qualifications and legitimate authority, 
why pray the Lord of the harvest to do it ? 

In accordance with this view of the subject, 
God assured his ancient people, that the 
prophets who were not sent by him, should 
not profit them. "I sent them not, nor com- 
manded them: therefore they shall not profit 
this people at all. 55 (Jer. xxiii. 32.) 

And St. Paul, full of this doctrine of a 
divine mission, asks, with great confidence, 
"and how shall they preach except they he 
sent?? (Rom. x. 15.) 

II. "Now he which establisheth us with 
you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God." 
(2 Cor. i. 21.) 

In this language the Apostle speaks of two 
distinct operations. The one, as then trans- 
piring ; the other, as having been accomplish- 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 63 

ed. " He who establislieth us with you in 
Christ ; and he who hath anointed us, is God." 

1. The first is an act of establishment — the 
second is an act of anointing. Of this estab- 
lishment in Christ, he speaks as being com- 
mon to all Christians — God establislieth us with 
you in Christ. But he speaks of this anointing 
as being peculiar — God hath anointed us. 
Therefore it is evident that the anointing men- 
tioned in the text, regards, exclusively, the 
Apostle and his brethren in the ministry. 

2. The term anointed is taken from the Old 
Testament service, and has a special reference 
to the consecration of the priesthood. All the 
ministers of the altar, under the economy of 
the Mosaical dispensation, w T ere set apart for 
divine service, by being anointed with the 
holy oil. This represented to them the influ- 
ence of the Holy Ghost, to qualify them for 
the sacred duties of their office. And hence 
the Redeemer, as the high priest of the hea- 
venly sanctuary, is called the Messiah, The 
Jlnomted One. 

Therefore the operation of anointing, spoken 
of in the text, must mean the consecration of 
the Christian ministry. It can in this place 



64 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

mean nothing else. Now the Apostle posi- 
tively declares, that this is the operation of 
God: He which hath anointed us, is God. 
God has called, appointed, and consecrated us, 
as the ministers of the New Covenant. This 
text, therefore, as well as the former, is di- 
rectly in point; containing expressly the 
doctrine for which I contend. 

In perfect consistency with this view, and 
equally in proof of the doctrine under con- 
sideration, the same apostle declares, that his 
" preaching was not with enticing words of 
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the 
Spirit and of pow T er." (1 Cor. i. 4.) And 
the sentiment of St. Peter on this subject, 
perfectly agrees with that of St. Paul. For 
he informs us, that the gospel was " preached 
with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." 
(1 Peter i. 12.) 

III. « Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, 
and to all the flock, over the which the Holy 
Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the 
Church of God, which he hath purchased with 
his own blood." {Acts xx. 28.) 

Nothing can be more in point, or more 
plainly assert the doctrine I advocate, than 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 65 

these words. They were addressed to the 
ministers, the elders, of the Church at Ephesus ; 
and they positively declare, that these minis- 
ters in elders' orders, were made overseers 
over the flock, by the Holy Ghost. Indeed, 
there are no legitimate ministers of the gos- 
pel, but those who are made such by the 
Spirit of God. 

I am, under the sanction of this holy call- 
ing, your fellow-labourer in the Gospel Minis- 
try, 

W B . 



66 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 



LETTER V. 

ALL LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY TO PREACH THE WORD, 
AND TO ADMINISTER DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH 
OF GOD, IS IMPARTED TO THE MINISTERS OF THE 
GOSPEL BY EXPRESS COMMISSION FROM THE HOLY 
GHOST. 

My Dear Brother, 

The proposition with which this paper 
is headed, contains a constitutional principle 
in our Church government. This will be 
evident at the first view of the subject. For, 
the structure of our governmental system, es- 
pecially in regard to the ministry, will at once 
show that our church holds as a correct prin- 
ciple, that all legitimate authority to rule in 
ecclesiastical affairs, is derived from divine 
commission. For this authority, according 
to this system, is committed to the hands of 
the ministry; because they profess to be 
moved by the Holy Ghost to preach, and have 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 67 

given proof that their claim to holy orders is 
valid. And this is done on this principle, 
that their call to the ministry includes their 
commission to exercise this authority, accord- 
ing to the division of power in the church. 
Now the whole of the procedure of our 
church, in respect to constituting her minis- 
ters, in regard to committing special divisions 
of power into their hands, and in reference to 
the administration of discipline by them, is 
founded on this doctrine, — they are called 
by the Holy Ghost to the work of the minis- 
try. And none but such as she believes to 
be thus called to this work, are admitted into 
holy orders, and invested with ecclesiastical 
authority. It is then manifest, that the pro- 
position, « All legitimate authority to admin- 
ister Discipline in the Church of God is by 
divine commission," is held as a constitu- 
tional principle by our church. The history 
of Methodism, in regard to the principles of 
government, strongly corroborates this doc- 
trine. 

But is this principle a correct one ? Is it 
indeed true, that authority to rule in the 



68 

church is committed to the ministry ? and is 
this commission from the Holy Ghost ? 

■ That this principle is correct — that all 
legitimate authority to rule in the church of 
God is communicated to the ministers of the 
gospel by divine commission, is evident from 
many considerations. Let the following be 
duly weighed. 

1. The principle here laid down, is a direct 
and necessary consequence of the doctrine of 
a divine call. Men are called by the Holy 
Ghost to the work of the ministry ; therefore, 
authority to do this work must be imparted 
by the Holy Ghost alone. 

It is impossible to avoid the force of this 
argument. For, as a divine call to the work 
of the ministry is a doctrine of an incontro- 
vertible nature, and as this work includes of 
necessity the administration of discipline, 
the consequence is unavoidable — authority to 
do the w T ork of administering Discipline must 
be imparted by the Spirit of God to the min- 
isters of the gospel. 

To call in question the doctrine establish- 
ed in my last paper, and on which this argu- 
ment is predicated, is indirectly to deny the 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 69 

authority of the Holy Scriptures. For the 
Bible is full of this doctrine, as we have 
before seen. Men are called to the work of 
the ministry by the Holy Ghost ; this work 
includes the administration of discipline ; 
therefore authority to govern the Church of 
God in the administration of discipline, must 
be imparted to these men thus called by the 
Holy Ghost. 

2. It is generally admitted in the Christian 
world, that no one has authority to preach the 
gospel, but such as have been called to this 
work by the Spirit of God. Even those who 
presume to constitute ministers themselves, 
exhibit to the world in their conduct the truth 
of this principle. For they require, I believe 
without exception, all who are admitted to 
ordination to profess that they are moved by 
the Holy Ghost to take upon them the office 
of the ministry. Whether they think that w T hen 
a man has passed under the consecration of 
their hands, the Spirit of God is under some 
kind of obligation to call him to the w T ork, is 
not within my province to determine. But 
one thing appears certain, they acknowledge 



70 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

the necessity of a divine call, by making the 
requisition above stated. 

Now this acknowledgment goes to favour 
the doctrine under consideration. For if we 
receive authority to preach the gospel, in our 
call to the work of the ministry by the Spirit 
of God, then it ought to be admitted that we 
receive authority to govern the church, in the 
same manner, and from the same divine 
source. For the administration of discipline 
is not only one great part of the work of the 
ministry, but it is as sacred in its nature, and 
as difficult of performance as the preaching 
of the gospel of Christ. Is it not as difficult 
to have correct views of the great principles 
of ecclesiastical government, as it is to under- 
stand the doctrines of religion ? Is it not 
equally necessary, in both these cases, to en- 
joy the special illumination of the Holy Spirit? 

The truth is, that the preaching of the word 
of God, and the administration of discipline, 
are the two parts of the same great work, the 
successful accomplishment of both of which 
equally depends on divine influence ; and 
therefore no man can have authority to do 



TO A CANDIDATE FOP. THE MINISTER. 71 

either of them, unless commissioned by the 
Spirit of God. 

Men who deny that the government of the 
church is committed to the hands of the min- 
istry, and yet admit that ministers only have 
authority to preach the word of God, do not 
appear conscious of the inconsistency with 
which they clog their systems. Neither do 
they seem sensible how they lower themselves 
down in the estimation of thinking men, by 
advocating principles of a contradictory 
nature. While they set themselves up as mas- 
ters of reason, as famous reformers of ecclesi- 
astical government on rational principles, they 
give strong proof that they have relinquished 
reason in order to introduce innovation and 
corruption. 

3. The disposition of the government of the 
church into the hands of the ministry, is con- 
i sistent with the fitness of things, considered 
in relation to the doctrine of a divine call. It 
agrees with that analogy which we discover 
everywhere in the works of God. The min- 
isters of the gospel are ambassadors for Christ. 
The terms of reconciliation between God and 
the world are committed to them, to be pro- 



72 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

posed to the rebellious for acceptance. When 
any submit to these terms, they are to be re- 
ceived into the Christian church, as subjects 
of the Redeemer's kingdom. Now is it not 
perfectly reasonable, that the principles of 
this kingdom should be committed to these 
ministers of Christ, as well as the terms of re- 
conciliation? Indeed, submission to the terms 
of reconciliation necessarily implies the re- 
ception of those principles under which the 
church should be governed; and therefore, 
in no hands could the government of the 
church be intrusted with so much propriety, 
as in the hands of the ambassadors of Christ. 
Who can be so good guardians of the govern- 
ment of Christ in his church, or so well pre- 
pared to administer this government, as his 
own agents, appointed and qualified by the 
anointing of the Holy Ghost ? 

The truth is, the duties involved in the 
ministration of reconciliation cannot be fully 
discharged by the ministers of the gospel, 
without the exercise of ecclesiastical govern- 
ment ; the preaching of the word being inti- 
mately connected with the administration of 
discipline. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. / 3 

4. Besides these considerations, there is 
another view of this subject which is worthy 
of our attention. The consequences resulting" 
from the denial of the doctrine advocated in 
this sheet, are utterly inadmissible ; for they 
are dreadful in nature and tendency. For, if 
authority to do that part of the work of the 
ministry which is involved in the administra- 
tion of discipline, is not from the Holy Ghost, 
then it must arise from compact, formed on 
principles of human associations, such as 
those under which the nations of the earth 
subsist. If this be admitted, then it will fol- 
low — that ecclesiastical government must rest 
on the same base of civil government, and 
therefore possess the same nature, and have 
authority to exercise the same powers — -that 
it is not improper to amalgamate the church 
and the state into one body, under one head, 
either civil or ecclesiastical, according to hu- 
man election ; or supposing them to remain 
separate, to give them reciprocal transposition 
of powers, to lodge the powers of the church 
in the hands of the state, and the powers of 
the state in the hands of the church — that the 
state may require, under the severest penalty, 
7 



74 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

uniformity of faith in doctrines established by 
civil authority, without any infringement upon 
the privileges of conscience, or any violation 
of religious rights — that the church of God, 
founded on supernatural principles and con- 
stituted by the supernatural operations of the 
Holy Spirit, must, nevertheless, be governed 
by natural principles! — that the church of 
Christ has a right, when she may see fit to 
exercise it, to inflict capital punishment for 
disobedience to her orders ! But why proceed 
any further in these dreadful consequences ? 
We are already driven hard upon the heels 
of the church of Rome, where her footsteps 
mark the infernal ground on which she reared 
the court of the inquisition — the curse of 
Europe, and the scandal of the Christian 
name ! 

That these consequences, and many others 
of like nature, result from admitting that 
ecclesiastical government should exist, and 
yet denying that authority to exercise this 
government is imparted by the Holy Ghost to 
the ministers of the gospel, w T ill be manifest 
to every man who candidly and carefully ex- 
amines the subject. And this consideration 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 75 

alone is sufficient to silence all who call in 
question the doctrine defended in this paper. 

5. But there is another thought which has 
more weight, if possible, than the one which 
we have just had in review before us. Every 
principle which can be brought to operate 
upon us, is either natural or supernatural. 
Therefore, if authority to do the work of the 
ministry, in particular the administration of 
discipline, is not supernaturally imparted, it 
must be derived from the principles of nature. 
But this authority cannot be derived from the 
principles of nature — because by these prin- 
ciples the work is not within the compass of 
possibility. 

The work of the ministry is a divine work, 
the accomplishment of which is infinitely 
above the powers of nature. Natural princi- 
ples, put into operation, may produce natural 
effects ; but they cannot rise into the regions 
of grace, and bring to pass supernatural 
effects. The work of the ministry, in refer- 
ence both to preaching the word and the ad- 
ministering of discipline, being infinitely 
above the powers of nature, can be accom- 
plished only by the operation of divine energy, 



76 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

and by the special authority of the Holy 
Spirit. 

Now, let it ever be remembered, that there 
is not the least shadow of proof that the Holy 
Spirit authorizes the people to preach the word 
of God, and administer discipline in the church. 
But he authorizes the ministers of the gospel 
to perform both these things ; therefore, the 
government of the church rests solely in the 
hands of the ministry. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Yours in love, 

W B . 



TO A CANDIDATE TOR THE MINISTRY. 77 



LETTER VI. 

THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED, 

My Dear Brother, 

The doctrine in support of which I 
offered several arguments in the preceding 
paper, is of such importance to religion, as to 
demand more than common regard. The 
want of duly regarding it, has led to many 
dangerous errors in ecclesiastical government, 
and has occasioned great perplexities and 
troubles in the Christian world. It may, there- 
fore, be necessary to continue the discussion 
of this subject, and to add some further argu- 
ments in favour of the doctrine in question. 

6. The great commission given to the 
Apostles, and through them to their succes- 
sors in office in the ministry unto the end of 
the world, includes the doctrine under con- 
sideration : "Go ye, therefore, and 'fudhpevm?* 



BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 



disciple all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I have commanded you : 
And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world." (Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.) 

This commission evidently imports author- 
ity to the ministers of the gospel to exercise 
government in the church of God. A few 
remarks will set this point in a strong light 
before you. 

The authority with which the Apostles were 
invested in the above language, is not con- 
fined to them, but is intended to be imparted 
to all faithful ministers of Christ, in all ages 
of the world. For this is necessarily implied 
in the promise with which the commission 
concludes: "And lo, I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world." The promise 
cannot be exclusively applied to the Apostles, 
— because they were not to continue always 
upon the earth, but soon to be removed to 
their reward in heaven. But the office of the 
gospel ministry, intended to remain until the 
end of time, was to be filled with a succession 
of ministers, who have an equal right to expect 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 79 

the accomplishment of the promise. There- 
fore the promise is applicable to the Apostles, 
and their successors in office in the ministry, 
throughout all ages of the world. 

It is worthy of remark, that the command 
and the promise cannot be reasonably sepa- 
rated—for the performance of the former ab- 
solutely depends upon the fulfilment of the 
latter. We cannot disciple the nations, unless 
Christ be with us. Therefore as the promise 
is made to all faithful ministers of Christ, they 
must be invested with the authority contained 
in the command. 

Now the commission here given goes direct- 
ly to authorize the minister of Christ to ad- 
minister discipline in the church of God — go 
ye, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. 
Bring them unto my school, and, as masters 
under me, exercise authority over them, in 
teaching them to submit to my government, 
and become faithful subjects of my kingdom. 

It is abundantly evident that this is the 
legitimate construction of the passage before 
us ; nor is it less evident, that it teaches the 
doctrine which is under consideration. No- 
thing can be plainer, than that the government 



80 BEAUCHAMp's LETTERS 

of the church is hereby given into the hands 
of the ministers of Christ. 

It is to be observed, however, that while 
they possess authority to govern the church 
of God, they are not at liberty to follow their 
own fancy, in constituting systems of ecclesi- 
astical government, on natural principles, or 
on political maxims — but they are bound, in 
the most solemn manner, to govern the church 
according to the doctrines of Christ. They 
are not to lord it over the people of God — but 
to administer discipline in love, in meekness, 
in righteousness, and in truth. " Teaching 
them to observe all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you." They are not to rule the 
church according to their own pleasure, but 
according to the will of God — not according 
to human speculations, but according to 
whatsoever Christ hath commanded. 

It seems very strange indeed, that any man, 
who has this passage before him, should call 
in question the authority of the ministers of 
Christ, in reference to the government of the 
church. Certainly, it must be from not duly 
considering the import of this divine commis- 
sion. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 81 

7. The Apostles and those who were co- 
temporary with them in the ministry, exercised 
the powers of government in the church of 
Christ. In their transactions in reference to 
ecclesiastical authority, they gave abundant 
exemplification of the doctrine now in review 
before us. And, certainly, their conduct in 
relation to this subject, if it be found to ad- 
vance on the principle involved in this doc- 
trine, will be a sufficient proof, that they were 
invested by divine authority with the powers 
of church government. To call this in ques- 
tion, would be, not only to reject the legitimacy 
of their claim to the ministerial office, but to 
fix a high stigma upon their moral character. 

Reference to all the transactions in which 
the principle for which I contend is recognised, 
is quite unnecessary. A few T instances will 
be sufficient for my present purpose. 

The first Christian council was held in 
Jerusalem ; and it consisted, not of laymen in 
whole or in part, but of the ministers of the 
gospel — Apostles and Elders. The sacred 
historian informs us, in reference to the great 
question agitated at Antioch, respecting the 
authority of the ritual law, that "the Apostles 



82 



BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 



and Elders came together for to consider this 
matter." (Acts xiv. 6.) 

This conference* of divines exercised the 
highest ecclesiastical legislative authority by- 
deciding a question in which the abroga- 
tion of institutions divinely appointed was 
determined, and by making decrees for the 
government of the church. And by these 
transactions they gave unequivocal evidence 
that their commission to preach the gospel 
clothed them with authority to govern the 
church of God. 

No doubt can exist that any one of the 
Apostles might have determined the question 
which came before this council — because the 
Apostles were all divinely inspired. But they 
chose rather to determine it in a general as- 
sembly of ministers, in order to sanction the 
decision with greater weight of authority, and 
to lay down for succeeding generations a per- 
manent precedent, going to establish the doc- 
trine that the government of the church is 
committed to the hands of the ministry. 

It may be supposed that I have misunder- 
stood the sacred historian, in reference to this 

# So it is called by Paul. Gal. ii. 6. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 83 

council — " For he represents the whole church, 
as well as the Apostles and Elders, as being 
engaged in sending Judas and Silas, and 
superscribing the letter containing the deci- 
sion." 

It is worthy of remark, that these transac- 
tions do not contain any exercise of ecclesi- 
astical government. 

Also it ought not to be forgotten, that it 
was very proper for the members of the church 
at Jerusalem to superscribe the decrees of the 
Apostles and Elders — in order to show sub- 
mission to ministerial authority, and that the 
church at Jerusalem held the abrogation of 
the ritual part of the law, by having its ac- 
complishment in Jesus Christ. But these 
circumstances do not infer, that the whole 
church at Jerusalem were assembled in council. 

Besides, the language of the historian, in 
another place, determines this question. 
"And as they went through the cities, they 
delivered them the decrees for to keep, that 
were ordained of the Apostles and Elders 
which were at Jerusalem." (Acts xvi. 4.) 
Here we are expressly told, that the decrees 
were ordained, not of the church, but of the 



84 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

Apostles and Elders. It is therefore evident 
that the lay members of the church at Jerusa- 
lem had nothing to do in forming these de- 
crees. 

There is one consideration which places 
the determination of this council in such light 
as to ground an argument of uncommon 
weight, in favour of the doctrine for which I 
contend. This is the uncommon importance 
of the question decided. To have a correct 
view of this, it is necessary to consider the 
circumstances under w T hich the church then 
existed. It was then gradually passing from 
under the heavy burden of a ritual service, 
into the liberty of evangelical worship. In 
this transition some circumstances arose, 
which were extremely perplexing to the minds 
of some Jewish converts. The abrogation of 
institutions which they had been taught 
should abide to the end of time, involved dif- 
ficulties to some of them utterly insurmount- 
able. And, therefore, they w T ere indulged in 
the continuance of their ritual service. 

But this indulgence was abused, by attempt- 
ing to incorporate Christianity with Judaism, 
and by teaching that the Gentiles must be 



TO A CANDIDATE FOH THE MINISTRY. 85 

circumcised, and keep the law of Moses, in 
order to salvation. Such abuse was intolera- 
ble — not only because it imposed a grievous 
burden upon the Christian church — but chiefly 
because it indirectly denied the truth of Christi- 
anity itself. For if the ritual part of the law 
had not its accomplishment and end in Jesus 
Christ, then he could not be the Messiah. The 
question then involved a subject, on the one 
hand, of great difficulty in reference to the 
prejudices of the Jews, and on the other, of 
inconceivable importance in regard to the 
abrogation of the ceremonial law. It was 
therefore absolutely necessary to bring to bear 
on this question, all possible weight of autho- 
rity. If any question ever demanded such 
procedure more than another, this was the 
one. And it received such weight of autho- 
rity in a council of divines, consisting of the 
Apostles and Elders of the church. 

The inference is obvious, the exercise of 
ecclesiastical authority belongs to the minis- 
try alone. No case can be more directly in 
point than the one before us ; and in support 
of the doctrine contained in the above infer- 
8 



86 BEATJCHAMP'S LETTERS 

ence, it will outweigh ten thousand volumes 
of reasonings to the contrary. 

8. The iVpostle Paul evidently proceeds., in 
his address to the elders of the church at 
Ephesus, upon the same principle on which 
the ministerial council advanced. In the most 
solemn manner he charges these presbyters 
" to take heed to themselves, and to all the 
flock 5 ' — predicating his charge upon their 
high commission from God — n Over which 
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to 
feed the church of God, which he purchased 
with his own blood. w This language is 
strongly expressive of authority to govern the 
church as the ministers of Christ. It is well 
known that the overseers, or shepherds, were 
charged with the government of the flocks 
under their care ; and that to take heed to 
them was impossible, without exercising gov- 
ernment over them. Nor is the phrase, " to 
feed the church of God," less expressive of 
authority to govern ; for it must be fed with 
discipline, as well as doctrine. The latter 
will do but little good without the former. 
The solemn manner in which he holds them 
responsible, and the awfulness of this respon- 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 87 

sibility arising from the value of the flock, as 
being purchased by the blood of God, give 
the fullest force to the argument. 

9. The same doctrine is taught in a very 
impressive manner by St. John, in the former 
part of the Book of Revelation. There we 
discover, in the addresses to the angels of the 
Asiatic churches, the responsibility of the min- 
istry exhibited to view in a light remarkably 
strong ; and the arguments growing out of 
this fact, carry with them weight of evidence, 
in proportion to the great and awful responsi- 
bility here recognised. 

There can be no doubt, that the angels 
were the ministers of the seven Asiatic 
churches — called angels, as being the messen- 
gers of Christ. And because they were charged 
with the government of the churches, they 
were held responsible for the spiritual condi- 
tion of those over whom they exercised autho- 
rity. Two of these churches, Smyrna and 
Philadelphia, were in a prosperous state ; and 
the ministers of these received the divine ap- 
probation. But the others were found, more 
or less, defective in faith, or corrupted in 



88 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

practice ; in consequence of which Christ sig- 
nified his displeasure against their pastors. 

Now nothing can be more certain, than that 
the government of these churches had been 
committed to these angels or ministers. This 
is necessarily presupposed by their responsi- 
bility. No minister can have absolute con- 
trol over the souls of men, so as to convert them, 
and preserve them in a state of grace, accord- 
ing to the pleasure of his own will. But 
having the government of the church, he may 
preserve it from corruption by the adminis- 
tration of discipline. He may expel from it 
those w T ho depart from Christianty, either in 
faith or practice. Therefore, it is reasonable 
that he should be made responsible for its 
spiritual condition no further than he possesses 
authority to administer discipline. 

It would be extremely unreasonable to con- 
demn a man for the corrupt state of a church, 
if the government of it w 7 ere not in his hands. 
Therefore, as nothing unreasonable can pro- 
ceed from the Divine Being, it is evident that 
these ministers were charged with the govern- 
ment of the seven Asiatic churches. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 89 

The force of the arguments arising from 
these matters of fact, is sufficient, without any 
other considerations, to silence every objection 
which can be brought against the doctrine in 
question. This important truth should be kept 
in remembrance. 

In concluding this letter, I shall draw a few 
inferences. If the doctrine of the divine 
appointment and consecration of the ministry , 
under the immediate and supernatural influence 
of the Holy Spirit, is true, then all who are 
found in holy orders without this appoint- 
ment and consecration, are destitute of autho- 
rity to preach the word of God, and to admin- 
ister discipline in the church of Christ. As 
the Holy Ghost has not made them overseers 
over the flock, they are not the true shepherds 
of the people of God. 

It is daring impiety to assume the ministe- 
rial office, to attempt to preach and adminis- 
ter discipline, without being called by the 
Holy Spirit to this work. If we enter not in by 
the door, by Christ, and the consecration of 
his Spirit, we become thieves and robbers. By 
entering into the sheepfold some other way, we 
attempt to steal an office, of all others the 
8* 



90 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

most important and sacred; we attempt to 
rob the Holy Spirit of the glory of preparing 
his ministers for the great work of their mis- 
sion. 

Meditate upon these things, 
I am yours, in the bond 

of the consecrating Spirit, 

W — B- . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 01 



LETTER VII. 

THE LEADING PRINCIPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT OF OUR 
CHURCH. IN REFERENCE TO THE MINISTRY; IS THE 
ITINERANCY — THE PRIMITIVE MINISTERS WERE 
ITINERANT. 

My Dear Brother, 

Among the peculiarities of Methodism, 
a Travelling ministry is one of the most promi- 
nent. This forms a strong mark of distinction, 
by which we are far removed from other 
churches ; and by the influence of which, we 
are put into possession of advantages nowhere 
else realized. 

The most cursory review of the discipline 
will discover to us, that the strongest princi- 
ple in our government, is that of the Itine- 
rancy. Every part has a direct bearing upon 
this, and is intended for its conservation. The 
great object, everywhere apparent in our go- 
vernment, is the preservation of the Travel- 



92 BEATJCHAMP'S LETTERS 

ling connexion, in purity and permanency, for 
the promotion of the interests of the church, 
and the glory of God. 

This is not less apparent from the history 
of Methodism. It had its origin in a Travel- 
ling ministry ; and throughout its continuance 
and glorious progress, it has depended on this 
ministry for support, for means of defence, 
and for a healthful and vigorous state in 
the internal matters of the church. Our 
fathers in the gospel have ever kept a watch- 
ful and ardent eye upon the Itinerant con- 
nexion, in order to preserve it from the influ- 
ence of debilitating and destructive principles, 
and to give it that consistency and firmness, 
by which it might be sustained under the 
shocks of time, and go down to succeeding 
ages in all its glory and happy tendencies. 
All the great movements of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in reference to internal 
proceedings, have had a direct or indirect 
bearing upon the principle of the Itinerancy; 
for these fathers of ours, the friends of this 
principle, have laboured w T ith great care and 
diligence for its preservation. They have 
manifested great zeal, firmness, and courage, 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 93 

in guarding the Itinerancy, by preventing the 
introduction of heterogeneous principles into 
the government of our church. 

Innovation has been frequently attempted ; 
and the designs of the innovators have been 
as often frustrated. For nothing, to a true 
Methodist well acquainted with the principles 
of our government, is more dreaded than inno- 
vation ; because he knows, from the structure 
of the government, that it will bear no radical 
change, without suffering from it the debility, 
decay, and dissolution of the Travelling con- 
nexion. 

The government, as it is now constructed, 
throws a bulwark of great strength around the 
Itinerancy; and while it continues in the exer- 
cise of its present powers, it will keep the con- 
nexion in a healthful condition ; and thereby 
the principle of vitality will be preserved in 
the body at large. 

The superstructure of Methodism, w T hich, 
in reference to its principles of government, 
has been reared with so much labour and wis- 
dom, is not a heterogeneous mass of disjointed 
materials ; but a well constructed edifice, its 
stones being correctly hewed, and nicely pol- 



94 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

ished, and strongly cemented together upon a 
foundation broad and firm. But it must be 
remembered, that it is our charge to see that 
no injury is done to this foundation. The 
innovating bar, raised to break one of the 
stones, or remove the least part thereof, must 
be dashed into shivers with an indignant hand. 
Keep this in mind. If repair is mentioned, 
expect ruin ; if reform, look for destruction. 
Some of the foundation stones may not please 
a brother. Their dull appearance may not 
suit his fine eye ; and he may wish to remove 
them, to introduce more brilliant materials — 
but incapable of pressure, and of rapid decay. 
Be upon your guard. Lift the sword of truth, 
and forbid the r azure. Though he be a broth- 
er, no matter ; he must desist. Remember 

this charge, as coming from one whose locks 
silver his brows. 

The Itinerancy is all-important to the con- 
tinuance of Methodism ; and every radical 
principle of our government is no less impor- 
tant, because it is necessary to the preservation 
of the Itinerancy. This will be more fully 
illustrated, in subsequent communications. 

I have said in a former letter, « Methodism 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 95 

is primitive Christianity revived ;" and the 
strong light in which I have placed the Itine- 
rancy in this paper, is full of corresponding 
sentiment. My justification, in respect io 
these views, will be referred to the strong re- 
semblance existing between the Methodist 
ministry and the ministry of the primitive 
church. 

It is well known, or at least it ought to be 
well known, that the first ministers of the 
gospel were Itinerant. 

The Son of God was sent a missionary into 
our world, charged with unsearchable riches 
of grace for men ; and consequently he came 
on principles above nature. The transactions 
of his life corresponded with these principles. 
They had reference to higher motives than 
those of mortals ; and therefore did not con- 
sult the counsel of human wisdom. 

Had this wisdom been consulted, in refer- 
ence to performing his mission in our world, 
it would have invested him with regal au- 
thority, and surrounded him with worldly 
pomp and glory. In the midst of a magnifi- 
cent palace, upon a throne of majesty, lofty 
and richly adorned, it would have placed this 



96 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

mighty missionary from God. There his ne- 
gotiations must have been conducted ; and all 
who would have made peace with heaven, 
must have appeared before him for that pur- 
pose. How different was the plan of infinite 
wisdom ! When Jesus commenced his public 
ministry, he became a travelling preacher. 

He went about doing good. He travelled 
continually from city to city, from town to 
town, from village to village, in order to 
preach the gospel of his kingdom. And thus 
he continued, throughout the whole of his 
public ministry, to set us an example. Who 
will follow it ? 

The Apostles were willing to follow this 
example. For the sake of their heavenly 
master, they forsook houses and lands, and 
brethren and sisters, and fathers and mothers, 
and wives and children ; going forth cheerfully 
to preach the gospel ; approving themselves as 
the ministers of God, in much patience, in af- 
flictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, 
in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in 
ivatching, in fasting. They went forth, preach- 
ing everywhere the gospel of the kingdom ; for 
the great Head of the church had said unto 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 97 

them, just before his ascension into glory, 
" Go into all the world, and preach the gospel 
unto every creature." 

The first ministers of the gospel, in obedi- 
ence to this command, and in imitation of 
the example of their glorious Master, lived an 
Itinerant life ; travelling from place to place, 
from city to city, from country to country, to 
" teach all nations, and baptize them, in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost." And this they continued 
to do, amidst great distress, and severe perse- 
cutions. For St. Paul says unto the Corin- 
thians, respecting the ministers of his time ; 
" Even unto this present hour we both hunger 
and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, 
and have no certain dwelling-place" 

Is there one word in the New Testament, 
from which any thing can be inferred in favour 
of a settled ministry ? I think there is not. 
The whole of this sacred Book breathes the 
spirit of Itinerancy ; and all the transactions 
recorded in it, in reference to the ministry, 
agree with this spirit. 

That the continuance of a Travelling minis- 
try, through all ages of the world, accords 
9 



98 BEAUCHAMP S LETTERS 

with the divine will, is manifest from the pro- 
mise, with which Christ closes his last address 
to the ministers of his word. " Go ye, there- 
fore, and teach all nations" — " Lo, I am with 
you always, even unto the end of the world. 5 ' 
The command implies a Travelling ministry — 
and the promise, the continuance of it unto 
the end of the world. 

It is true, particular ministers had charge 
of particular churches. But this will afford 
no objection against the doctrine here advo- 
cated ; for whether this charge continued 
during the life of a minister, or was limited 
to some short time, it will not follow that he 
was settled over some particular congregation. 
It is probable, that the charge was limited in 
reference to time ; for we find the Apostles, 
particularly Paul, frequently sending ministers 
from place to place. It is highly probable, 
that some, at least, of the primitive ministers 
had charge of several Christian societies, and 
that they visited them from time to time, in 
order to administer to them the word of God, 
the holy ordinances, and the discipline of the 
Christian church. 

That several ages after the Apostolic, the 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 99 

Christian church had, generally, a settled 
ministry, no one will call in question. But 
this will argue nothing in favour of such a 
ministry, unless it could be proved that this 
establishment was by order of the Apostles. 
However, such proof is not to be had. 

It is well known, that even in the days of 
the Apostles, corruptions in doctrine, and 
innovations in discipline, began to take place. 
The Corinthians become basely slack in the 
administration of discipline, and were sharply 
reproved by St. Paul ; who, though absent, 
expelled from the church the delinquent per- 
son. And St. John strongly intimates, that 
innovation had been introduced into the 
church, by the usurpation of Diotrephes — " I 
wrote unto the church : but Diotrephes, who 
loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, 
receiveth not us. Wherefore, if I come, I will 
remember his deeds, which he doeth, pra- 
ting against us with malicious words: and 
not content therewith, neither doth he himself 
receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that 
would, and casteth them out of the church."' 

It is very probable, that Diotrephes had at- 
tempted the settlement of himself over the 



100 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

church where he resided, as an independent 
minister. It is, indeed, certain, that he had 
introduced innovation into the government ; 
that he had thrown off the authority of the 
Apostles ; that he had refused to receive the 
brethren, the ministerial brethren, whom the 
Apostle, probably, had sent to correct his er- 
rors ; and that he had cast out of the church 
those who were willing to receive them, and 
submit to their authority as the messengers 
of the Apostle. 

These early innovations and corruptions 
soon grew strong and became prevalent ; and 
no wonder that, under their influence, the 
Travelling ministry of primitive Christianity 
gave place to a settled one ; especially when 
we reflect that there is a natural tendency to 
such a state of things. 

The Apostle Paul appears, in one of his 
predictions relative to the corruptions of the 
church, to refer especially to this event. He 
says to Timothy, in urging upon him faithful- 
ness in the discharge of his ministerial duties: 
" For the time will come, w T hen they will not 
endure sound doctrine ; but after their own 
lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, hav- 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 101 

ing itching ears : And they shall turn away 
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned 
unto fables." 

This language, they shall heap to themselves 
teachers, is strongly expressive of a settled 
ministry, appointed and consecrated by human 
authority ; such a ministry as has long been 
the curse of the Christian world. They shall 
heap — multiply ministers, usurping the divine 
prerogative of constituting the ministry. To 
themselves — for their own purposes. After 
their own lusts — they shall make such minis- 
ters as would be indulgent to their corrupt 
desires, and calculated to gratify their vain 
curiosity ; having itching ears— diseased with 
a strong fondness for novelty and innovation ; 
and filling their sermons, not with sound doc- 
trine, but with bold absurd figures, strokes of 
wit, extravagant flights of fancy, and mon- 
strous jfa&fe, drawn from the heathen mytho- 
logy ; all recommended by the harmony of 
their musical voices, and the beauty of their 
eloquence. 

They shall heap to themselves — The primi- 
tive Christians did not make their own minis- 
ters, but they received them as they were sent 
9* 



102 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

unto them by the ministerial authority of the 
church. But when the time came, that they 
would no longer endure sound doctrine, then 
the making and settling of ministers became 
a business of great speculation. Shall the 
Methodist Episcopal Church ever sink into 
this fatal error ? May God forbid it. Amen. 
I am yours, affectionately, 

in the bonds of the Itinerancy, 

W B . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 103 



LETTER VIII. 

THE SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF A TRAVELLING MINISTRY 
OVER A SETTLED ONE. 

My Dear Brother, 

I remarked, in the commencement of 
my last letter, that, "by the influence of a 
Travelling ministry, we are put into posses- 
sion of advantages nowhere else realized." 
It is now necessary to prove and illustrate this 
position. 

In that remarkable resemblance of the 
Travelling connexion to the ministry of the 
primitive church, noticed in my last commu- 
nication, we behold our ministry as having 
an aspect full of promise. We anticipate re- 
sults of vast importance to the happiness of 
man, as arising from the successful operation 
of our present plan of ecclesiastical govern- 
ment. 



104 BEAUCHAMPS LETTERS 

We are not vainly fanciful, I presume, in 
these expectations. For it will be found upon 
examination, that there is nothing so well cal- 
culated, as the Itinerant connexion, to give 
effect to the preaching of the gospel. This 
wonderful machine, so simple in structure, so 
energetic in operation, so certain in effect, 
will, if preserved unimpaired, one day aston- 
ish the world, by the glorious results arising 
from it. 

Our views of this subject do not spring from 
a heated imagination ; but are formed in le- 
gitimate inductions, drawn from principles 
of truth, and from matters of fact. 

They are drawn from matters of fact. The 
astonishing effect produced by the preaching 
of the gospel, in the first age of Christianity, 
warrants our conclusion, on the ground of that 
striking likeness which exists between the 
Itinerant connexion and the ministry of the 
primitive church. This is corroborated by 
matters of fact nearer at hand. What the 
Travelling connexion has already done, is a 
sure pledge of the accomplishment of what 
remains to be done — if this connexion be pre- 
served in original purity and vigour. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 105 

The legitimate inductions on which our ex- 
pectations are founded, are also drawn from 
principles of truth, — from the nature of things. 
This part of the subject is worthy of a more 
particular consideration. 

It is worthy of remark, that the Travelling 
preacher, by the manner of his life, is forcibly 
pressed to seek a large portion of the Spirit of 
his Master. The labours and toils which he 
must sustain, the privations and sufferings 
which he must endure, in order to form and 
perfect his character, and accomplish his glo- 
rious career, will demand a high degree of 
spiritual life, and render him proportionably 
dead to the world. 

He must rise high in heavenly dignity of 
soul, and, overlooking the little concerns of 
time, he must fix an ardent eye on immortal- 
ity and glory. He must burn with zeal for 
the good of man, and for the glory of God. 

Rushing into the field of action prepared to 
endure hardness as a good soldier, he must 
rejoice to meet the toils and dangers of war. 
He should possess resources of mind, unfold- 
ing as difficulties multiply ; unyielding forti- 
tude must arm his soul, and courage increasing 



106 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

with the increase of danger. "Without these 
gifts and graces, at least in some good degree, 
we cannot succeed as Travelling ministers. 

Such a minister as here described, will be 
ready to adopt the language of the Itinerant 
Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles. " I 
count all things but loss for the excellency of 
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord : For 
w T hom I have suffered the loss of all things." 
« I am troubled on every side, yet not dis- 
tressed ; perplexed, but not in despair; per- 
secuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but 
not destroyed." 

And here let it be observed, that in that 
proportion a preacher is dead to the world, 
and alive to God, he is calculated to be useful 
to others. The exemplification of godliness, 
which such a minister gives in the conduct 
of his life, while it forms the strong traits of 
excellence in his own character, is one of the 
best comments on the gospel. His preaching, 
enforced by the power of example in a life of 
self-denial, becomes more successful than it 
would be without this power, although his 
tongue were clothed with the eloquence of 
Gabriel. 



TO A CAxNDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 107 

For the Itinerant minister, crucified himself 
to the world by the manner of his life, is ena- 
bled to show, in stronger light, the necessity 
and excellence of spiritual crucifixion, in all 
professors of religion. By exemplification in 
his own life, he places the tone of moral and 
religious feeling high ; and by his personal 
influence, he draws up his hearers to sit with 
Christ in heavenly places. 

We have an aptitude to forget the peculiar 
genius of our religion — a genius in direct op- 
position to the principles of nature. The whole 
work of grace upon the soul, is not only pre- 
dicated on principles above nature, in the 
redemption which is in Jesus, but is an entire 
subversion of all the natural inclinations and 
dispositions of the human heart. And for this 
reason, the Itinerant preacher, having always 
an opportunity of mortification, has peculiar 
advantages, in reference to the accomplish- 
ment of the work of grace in himself; and in 
proportion as he becomes more holy, he is 
the better prepared to impart, as an instru- 
ment, the spirit of holiness to others. There 
can be no doubt, that the more a minister 
dwells in God, and God in him, the better he 



108 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

is fitted to administer the word, and the ordi- 
nances of the church. 

If we consider this subject in reference to 
contrast, the great advantages of a Travel- 
ling ministry will be strongly illustrated to ■ 
our view. In proportion as settled life, in 
comparison with an Itinerant one, affords 
more abundantly the means of gratifying the 
love of ease and self-indulgence, it is calcu- 
lated to lower down that high tone of moral 
rectitude, that nervous inflexibility of virtue, 
which the minister of Christ ought to possess. 
As it offers more inducements to seek riches 5 
and honours, and worldly enjoyments, it has 
a greater tendency to sensualize the soul, 
to darken the understanding, and to obscure 
the visions of faith — to diminish the sense of 
obligation, to destroy the consciousness of 
responsibility, to cool the ardour, and decrease 
the diligence of the minister, in the great work 
of evangelizing the world. 

The great disadvantages of a preacher in 
such a condition, must be manifest to all. 
It is impossible for him to preach with such 
success as he would do, were his circum- 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 109 

stances more favourable to his work in the 
ministry. 

But there is another view, which will pre- 
sent, in strong light, the disadvantages of a 
settled ministry. "A prophet is not without 
honour, save in his own country, and in his 
own house." This language of the Redeemer 
should not be forgotten. It contains a great 
truth, exemplified everywhere in the Christian 
world. How holy soever a preacher may be, 
it w T ill be impossible for him, when long resi- 
dent in a place, to preserve his ministerial 
influence unimpaired. Many things contribute 
to the weakening of his influence. The cir- 
cumstances of birth and education, with the 
peculiarities of situation and connexions in 
life, must affect, to a very great degree, his 
standing in society ; and this effect, in general, 
will be unfavourable to the work of the min- 
istry. The settled minister may expect that 
it w T ill be said of him as it was of his Master : 
« Is not this the carpenter's son ? is not his 
mother called Mary ? and his brethren, James, 
and Joses, and Simon, and Judas ? and his 
sisters, are they not with us ? Where then 
hath this man these things ?" What took place 
10 



110 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

in reference to Jesus, he may expect will take 
place in regard to himself: "And they were 
offended in him?' 1 "And he did not many 
mighty works there, because of their unbelief" 
Besides, that familiarity with the people, 
which almost unavoidably will become ex- 
cessive under the circumstance of long resi- 
dence in one place, and perhaps, some mo- 
ments of too great relaxation in reference to 
that rigid regard to dignified deportment, so 
essentially necessary to the character of a 
minister, must, unless he be more than what 
commonly belongs to humanity, lower him 
down in the estimation of the public mind, 
This thought, I am afraid, is not sufficiently 
regarded by clerical men, as well of the Itine- 
rant, as of the settled order. Few properly 
weigh it, and exactly estimate its value. 
When once a minister descends from that 
character of dignity, w T ith which his office 
invests him, or, in order to avoid descending ', 
puts on a studied reserve, approaching the 
appearance of pride and arrogance, his use- 
fulness draws to an end. The sacred func- 
tions in his hands lose their sanctifying influ- 
ence. 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. Ill 

Once more. Mankind are accustomed to 
view objects through the highly discoloured 
mediums of their own prejudices and passions, 
and hence they give dreadful distortions to 
almost everything that passes in review before 
them. When the angry passions have been 
awakened, by the faithful reproofs of a minis- 
ter, or by his administrations of discipline, 
they will lead their subjects to place his char- 
acter in a very unfair light, to arraign his 
conduct, and even to call in question the 
purity of his intention. The disadvantages 
under which a settled minister must labour, in 
reference to the operation of such causes, can 
neither be few T nor small. 

Moreover, it ought not to be forgotten, that 
a consciousness of such disadvantages, with 
a desire to avoid giving offence, may frequent- 
ly tempt such a minister to neglect his duty. 
If the temptation should prevail, his ministry 
will become a curse to the church. 

The Travelling preacher, delivered, at least 
in a very great degree, from the numerous 
and grievous disadvantages attending a settled 
ministry, goes cheerfully forth in the work of 



112 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

God, rejoicing to see the pleasure of the Lord 
prospering in his hands. 

But there is another source, from which the 
Itinerant connexion derives peculiar advan- 
tages. This must not be passed over in silence. 
The Travelling connexion is adapted, in a 
remarkable manner, to draw advantage from 
some of the peculiar principles of human na- 
ture. 

That principle in man, which is always 
charmed with novelty, is ever enlisted on the 
side of the Itinerant preacher. It is a matter 
of notoriety, that he never fails to command 
the attention of his audience — even an audi- 
ence that would regard with indifference the 
best discourse, delivered by a man whom 
they had been accustomed to hear. 

Truth, indeed, is immutable in its nature ; 
and in this respect is never new. But such 
is the great diversity of its habiliments, and 
such the astonishing power of association of 
thought in the human mind, that the plainest 
truth is capable of almost endless variety in 
representation. Every man has a vast num- 
ber of peculiarities about him ; not only in his 
person, but also in his mode of thinking, and 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 113 

in his manner of communicating his thoughts. 
These all are calculated to arrest and fix the 
attention, when the speaker is a stranger ; and 
they often become powerful auxiliaries of the 
truth, by enabling it to find way to the heart 
of man. 

It will be readily admitted, that curiosity 
may become vain; and, being indulged to 
excess, may be attended with very pernicious 
consequences. But that we ought not to avail 
ourselves of its influence over the minds of 
man, in order to effect his salvation, is a po- 
sition which can never be rationally admit- 
ted. 

The Itinerant preacher avails himself of this 
powerful auxiliary ; and always enjoys the ad- 
vantage of its influence — because, as a preach- 
er, he never becomes old. While men of the 
greatest talents of oratory, after being settled 
a while, lose the power of fixing the attention 
of their congregations, he is always in posses- 
sion of this power, although his talents may 
not be great. 

But another consideration, of great weight, 
demands our regard. There is one thing 
10* 



114 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

which affords more peculiar advantage, to the 
Itinerant minister, than any of those which 
have yet passed in review before us. 

One of the great principles of Christianity, 
bearing immediately on this subject, is, that 
the divine unction must attend the administra- 
tion of the word, in order to render it success- 
ful. Without this unction, we preach in vain. 
Now it may be laid down as a general rule, 
that this unction is given, in proportion to the 
faith with which we preach. It is not suffi- 
cient, that we have faith in the truth of our 
doctrines. We should also believe, that they 
will be impressed upon the hearts of our 
hearers with divine power. Under the influ- 
ence of such faith we shall preach with great- 
er ardour, and usually with proportionate suc- 
cess — because our administrations will be at- 
tended with the unction of the Holy Ghost. 

But can the minister, who being settled, has 
long preached to the same persons without 
effecting their conversion, have much faith in 
reference to their salvation? It is hardly 
probable. It is far more likely, that he will 
labour under the awful impression that the 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 115 

gospel, as it drops from his lips, will become 
to them the savour of death unto death. From 
this unpleasant situation, this fearful task, the 
Itinerant preacher is happily delivered. The 
congregations to whom he preaches, however 
hardened they maybe, have not been hardened 
under his ministry ; and, therefore, he is left 
in the full exercise of faith for their salvation. 
He preaches with faith, with fervour, with 
power, and with success. If I am not mis- 
taken, this is one of the greatest advantages 
which the Travelling preacher possesses ; and 
to this, perhaps, more than any one thing else, 
is to be attributed the astonishing success 
with which the administrations of the Itinerant 
connexion have been attended. 

I know, indeed, my dear brother, that the 
doctrine of a divine unction has been called in 
question — excluded from some systems of 
divinity — smiled at, as the dream of enthusi- 
astical minds. And I also know, that some 
who believe this doctrine, too often preach 
without sufficient dependence upon this unc- 
tion, as the only cause of success. 

We ought to place it high on the scale of 
religious truths. It should be the object of our 



116 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

prayers in the closet, and the life of our ser- 
mons from the pulpit. 

I am, in the bonds of brotherly love, under 
the happy influence of an Itinerant ministry, 
affectionately yours, 

W B- i 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 117 



LETTER IX. 

THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. 

My Dear Brother, 

The superiority of a Travelling minis- 
try over a settled one, in relation to doing 
good, must always make it an object of high 
interest to all who understand its nature, and 
wish well to the cause of Christ. The view 
we have already taken of this subject, in 
reference to numerous points in which this 
superiority is manifest, is sufficient to justify 
this conclusion ; and, no doubt, it has placed 
the Itinerant connexion high in your estima- 
tion, and produced in your heart a strong and 
permanent attachment for that ministry for 
which you are a candidate. 

In this view we have contemplated Itine- 
rant preachers, as arising from the circum- 
stances in which they are placed, into a 



118 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

higher region of spiritual life, imbibing more 
of the mind that was in Christ, and diffusing its 
happy influence around them, in all the transac- 
tions of life. We have seen them from the re- 
lations they bear to the church and the world, 
enabled under the influence of the Holy Ghost 
to bring within their control so many of the 
great springs of action, as to possess uncom- 
mon ascendency over the minds of their au- 
dience. But we have beheld them, chiefly, as 
individually and separately at work in the great 
field of their labours ; and, therefore, we have 
seen but a small part of the benefit which the 
church derives from the Travelling connexion. 

We must take another view T of this subject. 
The benefits which result to the church from 
an Itinerant ministry, considered as arising 
from the separate labours of each individual 
preacher, how great soever, will yet be found 
to be inconsiderable, when compared with 
those which our church derives from the co- 
operation of her ministry. It is in this co-ope- 
ration especially, that the great superiority of 
the Travelling connexion lies. 

Diversity of operation is remarkable in the 
economy of nature ; nor is it less remarkable 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 119 

in the economy of grace. As far as we can 
judge, the latter answers to the former; and 
in order to suit the dispensations of grace to 
the manifold conditions and circumstances of 
human nature, the Redeemer of the world has 
so far diversified the ministrations of the Spirit, 
as to give every man suitable grace, and every 
minister such gifts, as qualify him for his par- 
ticular work in the edification of the church. 

For when the Son of God "led captivity 
captive, 5 ' "in spoiling the powers of dark- 
ness," " he ascended up on high to receive 
gifts for men." Having received the kingdom 
from the Father, he gave some apostles, and 
some prophets , and some evangelists, and some 
pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting of the 
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edi- 
fying of the body of Christ ; till we all come, 
in the unity of the faith, and of the know ledge 
of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the 
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 

That such a number of officers, possessed 
with diversity of talents, as here described, is 
necessary for the work of the ministry, should 
not be called in question. For human nature, 
considered in its different subjects, presents a 



120 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS 

diversity almost boundless ; and to meet this, 
to suit every individual case, and every par- 
ticular circumstance, it was necessary to give 
a great variety of talents in the gospel ministry. 

Now it is manifest, that the Travelling con- 
nexion brings this variety to bear, with great 
effect, upon the people of its charge. No 
method can be adopted, which would have 
the same salutary, extensive, and permanent 
effect, as a united Travelling ministry. Such 
a ministry is ours ; and the history of Metho- 
dism will evince, that the co-operation of our 
Travelling preachers, in that succession in 
which they follow each other, has realized, to 
a very great extent, the glorious object pro- 
posed, in the diversified administrations of the 
Spirit. 

We see one man, set for the defence of the 
gospel, armed with astonishing powers of ar- 
gument. Another, who is sent to aw T aken the 
consciences of sinners, is clothed w T ith the 
terrors of the law. A third, designed to com- 
fort mourners, is invested with the charms of 
mercy ; his tongue is dipped in the oil of pity ; 
his words seem to melt, and drop as sweet as 
the breath of heaven. A fourth, commissioned 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 121 

to guard the rights of the divine law, is quali- 
fied to preach, and press with power, the ne- 
cessity of holiness in heart and life. A fifth, 
designated for the administration of discipline, 
possesses, in a high degree, the talent of gov- 
ernment. 

Now each of these ministers may be able 
to perform, after some manner, these several 
parts of the work of the ministry ; but no one 
will be capable of working w 7 ith much effect, 
except in that part for which his talents pecu- 
liarly qualify him. 

Settle, if you please, any one of these min- 
isters over a particular congregation. Con- 
fine this people to his ministry alone. Now, 
is it possible that they can enjoy, under such 
circumstances, all the advantages which the 
gospel ministry is designed to communicate ? 
Certainly, it is not possible. They will be 
left destitute of the influence of all those 
"differences of administrations," those "di- 
versities of operations," which are not inclu- 
ded in his own peculiar talents. In what 
condition must such a people be ? under cir- 
cumstances of such want, such famine of the 
word of God, can anything be expected but 
11 



122 BEATJCHAMP'S LETTERS 

spiritual death and desolation ? Must not all 
the vital interests of godliness be in a despe- 
rate state ? 

In answer to these questions, if it would not 
be thought invidious, I would merely point 
to surrounding churches, with settled minis- 
ters, who profess to be called of the Holy 
Ghost to preach the gospel. Matters of fact 
awfully demonstrate my doctrine. 

From this fearful condition the Methodist 
Episcopal Church is happily delivered, by en- 
joying the advantages of an Itinerant ministry. 
This ministry, circulating in regular succession, 
imparts to every portion of the church, abun- 
dantly, those benefits which result from the 
influence of a » diversity of gifts." Moving 
in perfect order, every minister is engaged in 
the performance of his own work, while he is 
preparing the way for the accomplishment of 
the work of his successor. United in design, 
and harmonious in operation, they build up 
the church of God in faith and good works. 
They nourish the sons of grace with the good 
word of life, " until they come, in the unity of 
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of 
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 123 

of the stature of the fulness of Christ." For 
their combined influence, brought to bear on 
one object, "the perfecting of the saints," 
accomplishes "the work of the ministry," in 
" the edification of the body of Christ." 

This body of ministers, by being united 
under one head in the Episcopacy, is preserved 
in order, in unity of design and operation, and 
made an object of terror to " the armies of the 
aliens." As a mighty host of veterans, it 
rushes with the impetuosity of a torrent upon 
the powers of darkness. Its arm, made terri- 
ble by the demonstration of the Spirit, " casts 
down the strong-holds" of error and corrup- 
tion ; while the shout of triumph, like the voice 
of many waters , reverberates through all the 
camps of Israel. 

Preserve the Itinerant connexion in purity, 
in unity, and in strength ; and what will it not 
be able to do ? There is nothing wanting, in 
my opinion, but this preservation, to enable it 
to accomplish the utmost object of its wishes 
— to place within the grasp of its power the 
evangelization of the world. 

But ! my God, thine arm only can pre- 
serve it. Wilt thou be the shield of this con- 



124 BEATJCHAMP'S LETTERS 

nexion ? Or hast thou written its fate in thy 
Holy Book ? If it please Thee, look down 
from Heaven, and behold and visit this vine, 
which thy hand hath planted, and the branch 
that thou hast made strong for thyself For the 
boar out of the wood would waste it, and the 
wild beast of the field would devour it. Cause 
thy face to shine, and we shall be saved. Turn 
the edge of every sword which may be lifted 
against this connexion. Say unto it : « JYo 
weapon that is formed against thee shall pros- 
per ; and every tongue that shall rise against 
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn." Amen, 
and Amen. 

You will unite with me in this petition. 
Much may be effected by the prayer of faith. 
However, this must be accompanied with 
works. Our influence and talents must be 
taxed to support the great cause, in which in- 
terests so dear to us are involved. They 
must be called forth in defence of the princi- 
ples of our government. 

I am, in the bonds of the gospel, preached 
with so much success by the Itinerant con- 
nexion, yours affectionately, 

W B . 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 125 



LETTER X. 

THERE IS A NATURAL TENDENCY TO A SETTLED MINIS- 
TRY OUR GOVERNMENT FRAMED WITH A SPECIAL 

VIEW TO COUNTERACT THIS TENDENCY. 

My Deai* Brother, 

The preservation of the Travelling con- 
nexion should be an object of great solicitude 
with every Methodist, and in particular, with 
every Methodist preacher. For the welfare 
of our church depends, under God, upon this 
preservation ; which, in consequence of the 
operation of many causes, will be found a 
matter of no small difficulty. 

That considerable difficulty is attached to 
the preservation of our Travelling ministry, 
admits of no doubt — for the natural tendency 
of human nature, and of everything connected 
with it in the present state of the world, is 
against the Itinerancy. This thought , while 
11* 



126 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

it passes a high encomium upon our ministry 
as rising above this tendency, presents nothing 
strange to our view. For corrupt nature, 
wherever it exists, either in ministers or peo- 
ple, maintains at all times, and under all cir- 
cumstances, a permanent counteraction to the 
principles of grace ; one of which, as we have 
already seen, is that of the Itinerancy. And 
it is a very sad thought, but no less true than 
sad, that this counteraction controls, to a 
jdreadful extent, a large portion of those who 
are invested with ministerial robes. The in- 
fluence of their example bears directly against 
the course of the Travelling preacher, and 
presents no small obstacle in his way. 

Redemption, as well in the means it em- 
ploys to effect its great purposes, as in the 
principles on which it is founded, is above 
nature, and in direct opposition to nature in 
man. And hence, a Travelling ministry, the 
great means of effecting these purposes, must 
bear in its very character a strong contrariety 
to all the corrupt principles of human society 
— must rise above the world and the things 
of the world, to live under the influence of the 
dignified principles of redemption. Will this 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 127 

require no exertion ? Will it meet with no 
repugnance in man ? 

It is true, this presents the Travelling 
preacher to view, in a strong light of recom- 
mendation ; but even this light, by the very 
operation which places his praise with so much 
brilliance before us, discovers the ground of 
a natural tendency to a settled ministry. 

The tendency to such a condition in the 
ministry, is strong and permanent. Various 
causes of fluctuating character, or opposite 
tendency, arising from difference of relation 
or circumstance, may diminish or increase 
this tendency. But while the corruption of 
human nature remains, opposition to an Itine- 
rant ministry will be supported by permanent 
causes, operating with great energy, and with- 
out interruption, and with certain effect, unless 
counteracted by supernatural influence. 

If we take a closer view of this subject, we 
shall find these causes to exist, in the natural 
inclinations and aversions of the heart of man. 
Mankind delight in ease and self-indulgence. 
These are usually found, in a greater or less 
degree, m fixed situations. Here a thousand 
allurements arise from the wide range of so- 



128 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

cial life, to tempt the missionary to terminate 
his Itinerant career ; while a thousand more 
press upon him from a view of settled life, as 
having avenues to worldly pleasures, wealth, 
and aggrandizement, abundantly more direct, 
On the other hand, privations, toils, and suf- 
ferings, are the constant companions of his 
Itinerant life. They meet him at every step, 
to cool his ardour, to wear out his patience, 
to break down the vigour of his spirit, and to 
waste the energies of his soul. 

I do not magnify the strength of this ten- 
dency. It can hardly be drawn with colours 
too strong. Only bold strokes of the pencil 
can give the portrait a correct resemblance 
to the original. 

We ought to view this tendency with a 
watchful eye — and never more so, than when 
we discover a desire to remove the great land- 
marks which define and secure the powers of 
the executive department of our govern- 
ment. For these raise strong barriers against 
this tendency, and go to effect, in a very great 
degree, the preservation of the Itinerancy. 

For it is to be remembered, that our gov- 
ernment was framed with a special view to 



TO A CANDIDATE FOE, THE MINISTRY. 129 

counteract this tendency to a settled ministry. 
The most cursory review of its leading prin- 
ciples, will be sufficient to convince us of this 
fact. This consideration should inspire us 
with stronger attachment to it; we should 
love it the more, and defend it with greater 
zeal— for this is the strongest trait of its excel- 
lence. 

That the great founders of our church, the 
venerable Wesley, Coke, and Asbury, were 
deeply sensible of the tendency under con- 
sideration, is undeniable, from the strong 
bulwark which they raised around the Itiner- 
ancy, in the structure of the government. Or 
shall I rather say, that under a deep impres- 
sion of its fatal influence, and with a special 
view to counteract its operation, they formed 
our government, as near as possible, accord- 
ing to the principles of the New Testament ; 
and that therefore they received it, indirectly, 
from the great Head of the church, the whole 
of whose system of religion is in direct oppo- 
sition to fallen nature ? 

The view which we have taken of this sub- 
ject, should not damp your ardour in the pro- 
secution of your studies, as a candidate for 



130 BEAUCHAMP'S LETTERS 

our ministry. For in proportion to the diffi- 
culties with which you may be surrounded, 
will be the beauty and the number of the 
laurels you will gather. According to the 
strength of the torrent of opposition which you 
may be called to stem, will be the reward 
with which you will be crowned. And ac- 
cording to the might and bravery of the ene- 
mies you overthrow in battle, will be the glory 
with which your character will be emblazoned 
— a glory, not like the fading glory of the 
statesman, or hero of the world ; but a glory, 
w T hich will live and shine through the ages of 
eternity — a glory coming from God, and 
worthy of an immortal mind. 

Nothing, indeed, is more evident than that 
the Travelling preacher of the Methodist 
church needs a large portion of grace, to 
qualify him for the discharge of his duties, 
and the successful accomplishment of his work» 
He should enter the field of action in posses- 
sion of courage that fears no danger, and of 
fortitude that becomes more unyielding with 
the increase of the pressure of affliction. He 
should have that self-possession which re- 
mains perfectly cool and collected in the 



TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY. 131 

midst of all the turmoils of human life. He 
should enjoy that wisdom which is from above 
— not less in goodness, than in resources in 
the times of necessity. In a word, he should 
put on the whole armour of God — always 
remembering that his arm is made strong, 
only by the demonstration of the Spirit. 

In reference to the danger attending the 
Itinerancy, in consequence of the strong ten- 
dency to a settled ministry, we have the fol- 
lowing consideration for our encouragement. 
The government of the Methodist Episcopal 
church has remained unto the present time. 
It has endured, for forty years, great opposi- 
tions from without, and more powerful shocks 
from within, without suffering any serious 
injury. No effectual impression has been 
made upon it. It is still sound and whole. 

This affords strong evidence, that it is not 
composed of materials subject to rapid decay. 
They must be of a permanent nature, full of 
strength and durability — and so well put to- 
gether, as to render the whole superstructure 
capable of mighty resistance. 

Besides, " God is with us." He is our 



132 BEAUCHAMP's LETTERS. 

rock, our salvation, and our defence. And 
who shall make us afraid ? 

Under a high sense of gratitude to God, 
for mercies conferred upon me, in the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, I remain yours affec- 
tionately, 

W B 



THE END. 






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